Groundwater in Collingsworth County contains arsenic, nitrate, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed federal health standards. These contaminants are present in amounts serious enough that well owners should have their water tested and may need treatment.
Nitrate comes from agricultural fertilizers and animal waste that seep down through the soil into the groundwater below. Arsenic, iron, and manganese occur naturally in the rock and sand that make up the High Plains aquifer in this area. When water sits in contact with these materials underground for long periods, these metals dissolve into the water.
Groundwater in this county is notably high in iron and manganese, the natural metals that color and character the water. The sandy and rocky layers of the High Plains aquifer release these metals as water flows through them over time. Most wells in Collingsworth County show elevated levels of these metals.
Wells in Collingsworth County have been found with arsenic, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can cause skin problems and increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Iron and manganese at high levels can affect the nervous system and organ function in children and adults. Nitrate is especially dangerous for babies and can cause serious illness in infants under six months old.
Iron and manganese in county well water create staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. These minerals also leave a metallic taste in drinking water and can cause discoloration that affects your home's plumbing over time. The staining and taste problems make everyday water use frustrating and require extra cleaning effort.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well since every well is different. Your well could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive water test that checks for all four of these contaminants, which typically costs two hundred to four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis filters or ion exchange systems can remove these contaminants, but the right choice depends on your test results.
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 | 18 | 33% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 116 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 112 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 101 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 281 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 99 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 40 | 0% | Moderate | 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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