Groundwater in Swisher County contains fluoride, arsenic, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should monitor and address.
The groundwater in this area picks up these contaminants from the rocks and soil naturally. Arsenic and fluoride occur in the High Plains aquifer rock formations across this region. Iron and manganese come from minerals in the rock that dissolve slowly into the water as it moves underground. This is a common pattern in the High Plains from Texas to the panhandle.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that the water absorbs from the rock layers. These minerals are typical in aquifers across the High Plains region where limestone and other mineral-rich rocks are common. Most wells in the county show similar hardness levels.
Wells in Swisher County have been found to contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and fluoride are the main health concerns at these levels, as long-term exposure to either can affect your bones and teeth and increase health risks. Iron and manganese in high amounts can also affect your health over time.
The very hard water in county wells creates noticeable everyday problems. You will see rust stains from iron on your sinks, tubs, and laundry. Hard water makes it harder to get soap to lather and leaves buildup on pipes and fixtures. The extremely hard water here can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances. You might also notice a metallic taste or smell in your water.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel since multiple contaminants are found in this county. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here, so testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water and how to treat it. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Water softeners can help with hardness, and carbon filters or other systems can address specific contaminants once you know what you are dealing with.
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 | 255 | 24% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 106 | 10% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 132 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Manganese | 128 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 106 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 38 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | 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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