Groundwater in Lynn County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making testing and awareness important for well owners.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil in the High Plains aquifer. Arsenic, fluoride, and uranium occur naturally in the underground layers here. Chloride and sulfate build up as water moves slowly through the rock over many years. Nitrate can enter from agricultural fertilizers and animal waste seeping down from the surface.
Groundwater in this county is hard and very high in sodium and sulfate. The sandstone and other rock layers that make up the aquifer naturally release these minerals as water passes through. Hard groundwater and elevated sodium are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Lynn County commonly contain arsenic, uranium, fluoride, nitrate, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over many years of exposure. Fluoride at elevated levels can weaken tooth enamel in children. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Manganese in high amounts can affect the brain and nervous system.
The county's water is very hard and contains high levels of sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and in pipes, and it makes soap less effective for cleaning. The high sodium content may affect people on salt-restricted diets. You may notice a bitter or salty taste, and the sulfate can create a rotten-egg odor. Extremely hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your specific well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Ion exchange softeners and reverse osmosis filters can address hardness and mineral concerns once you know your results.
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 | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 219 | 73% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 111 | 55% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 14 | 50% | Low | High | |
| Uranium | 37 | 27% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 116 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 112 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 111 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | 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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