Groundwater in Lynn County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, sulfate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Several of these contaminants reach concerning concentrations and warrant attention from well owners.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil beneath the county. The High Plains aquifer sits in an ancient seabed environment where salt deposits and minerals like sulfate accumulated millions of years ago. Uranium, arsenic, and other elements occur naturally in the underground layers. Nitrate can also come from fertilizer used on farmland that seeps down into the water below.
Groundwater in Lynn County is hard and carries very high levels of sodium and sulfate, the main minerals that define its character. The sandy and rocky layers of the High Plains aquifer naturally contain these dissolved salts left behind from the ancient sea. These elevated mineral concentrations are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Lynn County contain several substances at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, uranium, nitrate, and fluoride in high amounts can harm your body over time, affecting bones, kidneys, and the way your body processes certain chemicals. Manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system. Chloride and sulfate at high concentrations are also health concerns for some people, especially infants and those with certain medical conditions.
Beyond health issues, the mineral content in county well water creates everyday problems. The water is hard, which means it leaves scale buildup in pipes and on fixtures like faucets and shower heads. High sodium and sulfate levels can affect how the water tastes and smells. Hard water also wears out water heaters and dishwashers faster than soft water does. You may notice staining on plumbing fixtures and dishes.
We recommend testing your well to know exactly what is in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and other contaminants runs about two hundred to four hundred dollars and is the only way to find out what treatment your well actually needs. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or activated carbon filters can address multiple concerns depending on what testing shows.
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.
Loading recent water news…