Groundwater in Lamb County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and uranium. Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and treatment important for your well.
The rock layers beneath Lamb County naturally release many of these contaminants as water moves through them over time. Sulfate and chloride dissolve from the rock itself. Nitrate enters from agricultural activity and fertilizer use across the region. Arsenic, uranium, and manganese occur naturally in the aquifer's sand and gravel.
Groundwater in Lamb County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock below. The dry climate and deep aquifer mean water stays underground longer, allowing minerals to concentrate. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Lamb County commonly have arsenic, chloride, fluoride, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic damages your kidneys and increases cancer risk. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies under six months old. Fluoride and manganese at high levels can harm your bones and nervous system. Uranium is radioactive and can damage your kidneys.
The water in this county is extremely hard, which causes white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap less effective and leaves spots on dishes and glasses. Over time, very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You may also notice a slightly salty taste from the elevated sodium content.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or water softeners can address these concerns.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Uranium | 48 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Chloride | 10 | 10% | Low | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 154 | 9% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 501 | 8% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 156 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 36 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Iron | 167 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 154 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 14 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 14 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | Low | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
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