Groundwater in Reeves County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, lead, manganese, nitrate, radon, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants present a serious concern for your drinking water and require attention.
The rocks beneath this county naturally contain radioactive minerals that release radon, and they also hold deposits of salt and other dissolved minerals that raise chloride and sulfate levels. The dry desert climate means water moves slowly through the ground, giving these elements time to dissolve into your supply. Ranching and agricultural activities in the area also add nitrate to groundwater from fertilizers and animal waste.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium, and it is also high in sodium and sulfate, with moderate iron present. The mineral-rich rock layers here naturally release these compounds as water passes through, and the arid conditions concentrate them over time. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Reeves County well water commonly contains several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can harm your kidneys and increase cancer risk. Lead damages the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate is dangerous for babies and can affect how the body uses oxygen. Fluoride at high levels can cause bone and dental problems. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when you breathe it in. Manganese can affect the brain and nervous system over time.
The very hard water in county wells causes white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. You may notice staining on sinks and toilets from iron and manganese. The water can taste salty or bitter. This extreme hardness also wears out water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines faster than normal, shortening their lifespan.
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 metals and minerals panel, which costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or ion exchange systems can address multiple contaminants at once.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 4 | 75% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 4 | 50% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 425 | 15% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 364 | 15% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 83 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 310 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 832 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 283 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Nitrite | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 48 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 4 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 4 | — | 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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