Groundwater in Motley County contains nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These are contaminants well owners should monitor, though the iron concentration itself is moderate.
Nitrate comes from agricultural activities and septic systems in the area, while iron and manganese occur naturally in the rock layers that supply water to the High Plains aquifer here. The combination of farming and the mineral content of the underground rock means these three substances concentrate together in the county's groundwater.
Groundwater in Motley County is characterized by elevated iron and manganese from the rock formations below. These metals dissolve into water as it moves through the subsurface and are common findings across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Motley County have been found with iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Iron and manganese at high levels can cause problems with your organs and bones over time. Nitrate is especially concerning for babies and pregnant women, as it can interfere with how the body carries oxygen in the blood.
Iron in county well water leaves orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. It can also give water a metallic taste. Manganese causes similar staining and can leave dark spots on fixtures. These minerals make cleaning harder and can stain clothing that you wash.
We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel checking for metals and minerals typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Iron and manganese can be removed with filtration systems or water softeners designed for these specific minerals.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 4 | 25% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 65 | 20% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 54 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 204 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 21 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | 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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