Groundwater in Randall County contains fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, iron, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels and require attention from well owners in this area.
These contaminants come from two main sources. Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizers and livestock waste applied to the land surface, which seeps down through the soil into the aquifer. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the rock and sediment of the High Plains aquifer in this region. Iron, lead, and manganese also come from the rocks themselves and can dissolve into water as it moves through the ground.
Groundwater in Randall County is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock layers underground. This hardness is widespread across the county's wells because the High Plains aquifer's geology naturally produces mineral-rich water. Wells throughout this area share these very hard water characteristics.
Wells in Randall County have been found to contain arsenic, fluoride, lead, nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that can damage your kidneys and nervous system, even at low levels over time. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and tooth health. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. Iron and manganese can also cause health problems with long-term exposure.
The very hard water in county wells will leave scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. You will notice spots on dishes and glassware after washing. Hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. The moderate sodium and sulfate levels may affect how the water tastes.
Every well is different, and your water could 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 you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive panel that tests for metals, minerals, bacteria, and nitrate, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners, reverse osmosis systems, and specialized filters can address different contaminants depending on what testing reveals.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 1697 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 23 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 1185 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 1179 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Iron | 1210 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 1196 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | 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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