Groundwater in Gray County contains fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that warrant immediate testing and awareness.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil of the High Plains aquifer. Water moving through sand and gravel layers dissolves fluoride, iron, and manganese naturally from the surrounding minerals. Nitrate enters from agricultural activity and fertilizer use across the county's farming operations.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that the water picks up as it moves through the underground sand and gravel layers. Sodium and sulfate also concentrate in the water from the same geological sources. Most wells across Gray County show these hard-water characteristics, making this a widespread condition throughout the area.
Wells in Gray County show fluoride, manganese, nitrate, and iron at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can damage tooth enamel in children and affect bone health. Manganese can harm your nervous system and affect how your brain develops, especially in children. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for babies and young children, causing a serious condition that reduces oxygen in the blood.
The water in this county is very hard, which causes everyday problems in your home. Hard water leaves crusty white scale on faucets, showerheads, and inside pipes. It makes soap work poorly, leaving your skin and hair feeling sticky. The hardness also shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice a metallic or salty taste in the water.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, since multiple contaminants exceed health standards. Every well is different, and your well 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. A comprehensive panel runs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners and iron removal systems can help address these concerns.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 124 | 5% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 30 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Manganese | 119 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 713 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 119 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Lead | 116 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 8 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 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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