Chloride, iron, and arsenic are present in Ochiltree County groundwater and well owners should be aware of them. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so testing your well is important.
The High Plains aquifer here sits above rock and soil that naturally contain these elements. Chloride and arsenic occur naturally in the ground layers, while iron comes from the rock itself. Human activities like road salt use and old waste disposal can also add chloride to the water.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by high levels of calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock below. The High Plains aquifer's composition creates these mineral-rich conditions throughout the area. Nearly all wells in Ochiltree County show this same very hard water character.
Wells in Ochiltree County show arsenic, chloride, and iron at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Chloride at high levels can affect people with heart or kidney conditions. Iron above health standards poses risks to infants and people with certain blood disorders.
The very hard water in county wells creates practical problems for daily life. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. It makes soap less effective and can leave spots on dishes and laundry. Over time, very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or salty taste in your water.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive panel that checks for metals and minerals runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know for certain what needs treatment. Water softeners can help with hardness, and arsenic removal systems are available if needed.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 11 | 9% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 101 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 101 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 245 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| 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 | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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