Groundwater in Crosby County contains nitrate, arsenic, and fluoride at levels that exceed EPA health standards, along with elevated iron and manganese. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners should address through testing and treatment.
Nitrate comes from agricultural fertilizers and livestock operations that are common across the High Plains. Arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese occur naturally in the rock and soil layers that make up the aquifer in this region. These elements dissolve into groundwater as it moves slowly through the underground layers over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock and minerals below. The moderate sodium and sulfate levels add to the overall mineral content. These hard-water characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Crosby County.
Wells in Crosby County have been found to contain arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure can damage the kidneys and nervous system over time. Fluoride at high levels can weaken bones and cause dental problems. Manganese can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate is a concern for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.
The very hard water in county wells causes scale buildup on fixtures and appliances, white or cloudy spots on dishes, and reduced water pressure over time. Hard water also makes soap less effective and can dry out skin and hair. Extremely hard water like what is found here can shorten the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances by years. Some people notice a bitter or mineral taste in their water.
We recommend testing your well because every well is different, and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. Since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this area, a comprehensive panel that checks for metals, minerals, and bacteria is recommended and typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specialized filters can address multiple contaminants 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 | 12 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 98 | 8% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 189 | 6% | High | Moderate | |
| Iron | 103 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 98 | 1% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Lead | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 28 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | 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.
Loading recent water news…