Groundwater in Cochran County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, uranium, sulfate, and manganese at levels that exceed health standards set by the EPA. These contaminants are present at concerning levels that well owners need to address.
The High Plains aquifer here sits above and within rocks that naturally contain these minerals and salts. Over time, water moving through these rock layers dissolves arsenic, uranium, and sulfate, while irrigation and natural salt deposits concentrate chloride and fluoride. This area's dry climate and deep groundwater mean less fresh rainwater enters the system to dilute these contaminants.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated sulfate and sodium that concentrate in the aquifer's water. The rock layers below release these minerals as water passes through, and the slow movement of water through deep aquifer storage means they build up over time. Most wells in Cochran County show these hard-water characteristics and elevated sulfate.
Wells in Cochran County have been found to exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, and manganese. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Fluoride above safe levels can cause dental fluorosis and skeletal problems. Manganese exposure can harm the nervous system, especially in children and infants.
County wells show very high levels of sulfate and sodium, which affect how your water tastes and feels. The water here is extremely hard, which means buildup of scale on fixtures, reduced soap effectiveness, and a chalky taste. Very hard water also shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances by causing mineral deposits to accumulate inside them.
We recommend testing your well as soon as possible, since every well in the county is different and yours could have higher or lower contaminant levels than average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know exactly what needs treatment. Treatment options like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, or activated carbon filters can address these contaminants, but the right choice depends on your specific water chemistry.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 5 | 60% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 40% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Arsenic | 105 | 16% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 106 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 227 | 13% | High | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 36 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Iron | 119 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 105 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | 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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