Groundwater in Dawson County contains arsenic, chloride, sulfate, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and uranium. Several of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil layers beneath the county. The High Plains aquifer here contains sandy and rocky materials that naturally release minerals and elements like arsenic, uranium, and fluoride into the water over time. Nitrate enters from agricultural fertilizer and septic systems seeping down through the soil. Chloride and sulfate also leach from the rock layers in this region.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated sulfate and sodium concentrations. The sandy rock layers of the High Plains aquifer dissolve these minerals as water moves through the ground, causing them to build up in the water. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Dawson County.
Dawson County well water contains several contaminants that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive elements that can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. Nitrate poses special concern for infants and can interfere with how the body uses oxygen. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage tooth enamel in children. Chloride and sulfate at high concentrations also raise health concerns for some people.
Beyond health issues, the mineral content creates practical problems. The water is very hard, which means scale buildup forms in pipes, water heaters, and dishwashers. Very hard water shortens the lifespan of these appliances. You may notice rust-colored staining on plumbing fixtures and laundry. The water may taste salty or bitter and feel slippery on your skin.
Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than the county average. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specialized filters can address specific contaminants.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 118 | 85% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 3 | 67% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 212 | 57% | High | High | |
| Nitrate | 25 | 24% | Moderate | High | |
| Iron | 126 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 37 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 119 | 3% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 118 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 3 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
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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