Groundwater in Wichita County contains nitrate, iron, and arsenic that well owners should be aware of. Iron and nitrate are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and require attention.
Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizer use on agricultural land in the area. Iron and arsenic occur naturally in the rock layers beneath the county. These sources combine to create the contamination pattern found in wells across this region.
Groundwater in this county is marked by moderate iron content from the rocks underground. As water sits in contact with the rock surrounding it, iron dissolves into the water. Moderate iron levels are found across wells in Wichita County.
Wells in Wichita County contain iron and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Nitrate in drinking water poses serious health risks, especially for infants and young children, by interfering with how blood carries oxygen through the body. Elevated iron in county well water can cause problems with the nervous system and organ function over time with continued exposure.
Iron in county well water leaves rusty stains on fixtures, clothes, and surfaces that are difficult to clean. The water may taste metallic or unpleasant, and you might notice a metallic odor. These minerals can build up as scale inside pipes and water-using appliances, which can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Your well may have higher or lower levels of these contaminants than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your water so it can be treated properly. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options include reverse osmosis systems and nitrate-removal filters.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 6 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Iron | 36 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 71 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 27 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 32 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 32 | — | Moderate | 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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