Iron and uranium are present in Donley County groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic is also detected, though at lower concern levels.
These contaminants come from the rocks and minerals in the High Plains aquifer itself. As groundwater sits in contact with the sand, gravel, and other rock layers underground, it dissolves naturally occurring uranium and iron. Arsenic enters the water the same way through natural mineral deposits in the aquifer.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below. The High Plains aquifer's composition causes these minerals to dissolve into the water as it moves through sand and sediment. Moderate sodium is also present in the water. Very hard water is widespread across wells in this county.
Uranium and iron show up at levels above EPA health standards in wells across Donley County. Uranium is radioactive and can damage your kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Iron at high levels can harm your liver and heart.
Wells in this county are extremely hard, which means you'll see white scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. Hard water also makes soap less effective for cleaning clothes and dishes. The very hard water can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. Some people notice a slightly salty taste from the moderate sodium in the water.
We recommend getting your well tested since every well in the county is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than average. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel typically costs between two and four hundred dollars. Water softeners and uranium removal systems are treatment options worth considering.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 104 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Uranium | 23 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 79 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 501 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 78 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Manganese | 93 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 1 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 1 | — | 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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