Uranium, iron, nitrate, fluoride, and manganese are present in Upton County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These elevated concentrations warrant attention and testing for well owners in the area.
These contaminants come from the rocks and sediments in the Pecos River Basin alluvial aquifer beneath the county. Uranium and fluoride dissolve naturally from minerals in the underground gravel and sand layers. Nitrate enters from agricultural activity and septic systems in the region. Iron and manganese also leach from the minerals in the aquifer materials.
Groundwater in this county is marked by moderate iron levels along with elevated fluoride, uranium, and nitrate. The underground gravel and sediment layers that make up the aquifer contain minerals that release these elements into the water. These characteristics show up across many wells throughout the county.
Wells in Upton County can contain fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone health and tooth development in children. Iron and manganese can cause problems with the nervous system and organ function over time. Nitrate is especially concerning for infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Uranium is radioactive and can damage the kidneys with long-term exposure.
Iron in county wells can leave rusty-colored stains on fixtures, clothing, and surfaces. It may give water a metallic taste or odor. Manganese can cause similar staining and discoloration. These minerals can build up inside pipes and reduce water flow over time.
We recommend getting your well tested with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what needs treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and can guide decisions about filtration systems or other treatment options.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium | 43 | 37% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 169 | 22% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 29 | 17% | Moderate | High | |
| Manganese | 151 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 391 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 139 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 137 | 0% | High | 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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