Well Water in Winkler County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Winkler County contains manganese, arsenic, and iron. Some of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should test their water and consider treatment if needed.

These metals come from the rock layers underground in this region. The High Plains aquifer here sits in areas with naturally occurring minerals that dissolve into groundwater as water moves through the rock.

Groundwater in this county shows elevated levels of manganese, arsenic, and iron from the local rock. Water picks up these metals as it flows through underground layers over time. Many wells in Winkler County show these same characteristics because the geology is consistent across the area.

Wells in Winkler County can contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic is a poison that builds up in your body over time and can cause cancer, heart disease, and nerve damage with long-term drinking. Fluoride at high levels can damage your bones and teeth, especially in children. Iron and manganese can cause problems with your brain and nervous system if you drink water with too much of them for years.

Iron and manganese in county well water can stain your clothes, dishes, and plumbing fixtures with brown or black spots that are hard to remove. You might notice a metallic taste in your water or see rust-colored water come out of your taps. These minerals can also build up inside your pipes and water heater over time.

We recommend testing your well water to find out what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what we see across the county. Testing is the only way to know for certain what needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Once you know what is in your water, options like filtration systems or reverse osmosis can remove these contaminants.