Groundwater in Cottle County contains nitrate, uranium, manganese, and iron at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations serious enough that well owners should test their water and consider treatment options.
These contaminants come from both natural and human sources in this area. Nitrate enters groundwater from agricultural activities and septic systems on the land surface. Uranium, manganese, and iron occur naturally in the rock layers beneath the county and dissolve into water as it moves underground. The local rock type allows these elements to leach into the water supply.
Groundwater in Cottle County is notably high in iron and manganese, which come from minerals in the surrounding bedrock that dissolve as water passes through. This county's geology naturally produces water with these mineral characteristics. Most wells in the county show these elevated levels.
Wells in Cottle County show concerning levels of iron, manganese, nitrate, and uranium that exceed EPA health standards. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect your body's ability to absorb nutrients and cause neurological problems, especially in children. Nitrate exposure harms infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. Uranium is radioactive and poses risks to your kidneys and bones with long-term exposure.
The moderate iron levels common in county wells cause orange or brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Iron and manganese create a metallic or bitter taste and can produce odors like rotten eggs. These minerals build up as scale inside pipes and water heaters, shortening the lifespan of your appliances over time.
We recommend getting your well water tested right away with a comprehensive panel that checks for all these contaminants, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what needs treatment. Depending on your results, water softeners, iron filters, or activated carbon systems can address multiple concerns at once.
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 | 9 | 22% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 10 | 20% | Low | High | |
| Manganese | 35 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 37 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 35 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 48 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 35 | 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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