Groundwater in Ward County contains manganese, arsenic, iron, fluoride, nitrate, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and need your attention.
The rocks beneath Ward County naturally release these metals and minerals into the water. As groundwater moves slowly through the underground rock layers, it dissolves arsenic, uranium, and iron from the stone. Nitrate enters from agricultural and oil and gas activities on the land above. Fluoride comes from natural minerals in the rock itself.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron and manganese, which come from the rock formation. These metals leach into the water as it flows through the underground layers over time. Most wells across the county show these elevated mineral levels.
Wells in Ward County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, fluoride, uranium, nitrate, iron, and manganese. Arsenic and uranium are toxic metals that build up in your body over time and can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk. Fluoride at elevated levels can harm bone health and tooth development in children. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen. These contaminants come from natural minerals in the rock below the county.
County well water contains moderate iron and manganese levels that create visible problems. You may notice rust-colored staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry. The water can have a metallic or bitter taste. These minerals leave deposits inside pipes and appliances that reduce water flow and shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs $200 to $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specialized filters can remove many of these contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 237 | 16% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 122 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 323 | 11% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 31 | 6% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 29 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 526 | 2% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 119 | 0% | High | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | 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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