Groundwater in Hansford County contains iron, fluoride, and arsenic. Fluoride and iron are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards, which means well owners should have their water tested and may need treatment.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil layers underground in the High Plains. Iron and fluoride occur naturally in the sand and gravel aquifer here, and arsenic also appears in trace amounts from the geology. The High Plains aquifer across this whole region carries similar minerals and elements.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock layers below. The High Plains aquifer is made of sand and gravel that holds these minerals as water moves through it over time. These hard-water characteristics are common across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Hansford County can have elevated levels of fluoride and iron above EPA health standards. Too much fluoride over many years can affect bone health and tooth development in children. Iron at high levels can cause problems with the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
The very hard water in county wells creates mineral buildup that stains fixtures and clothing. You may notice white or orange crusty deposits on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water also makes it harder for soap to work well and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
We recommend testing your well to find out what is actually in your water, since 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 needs treatment. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and will show you exactly what you're dealing with. Water softeners can help with hardness, and special filters can reduce iron and fluoride.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 104 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Fluoride | 293 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 93 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 96 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 97 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 4 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 1 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 4 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 9 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 9 | — | 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.
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