Arsenic, iron, and manganese are present in Hartley County's groundwater at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These three contaminants require attention from well owners in this area.
These metals come naturally from the rock layers that make up the High Plains aquifer underneath the county. As water seeps slowly through sand and gravel, it dissolves these metals from the surrounding stone and carries them into your well.
Hartley County's groundwater is very hard, driven primarily by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock. This hardness develops because water moving through the aquifer's mineral-rich layers picks up these elements over time. Very hard water is widespread across wells throughout this county.
Wells in Hartley County have been found to contain arsenic, iron, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic exposure from drinking water increases the risk of cancer and can damage organs over time. Iron and manganese at elevated levels can affect the nervous system and cause other health problems with long-term exposure.
The county's water is very hard, which means you will see white scale buildup on faucets, fixtures, and inside pipes. Hard water reduces how well soap works and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice staining or discoloration from iron in sinks, tubs, and laundry.
We recommend testing your well with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what is in your water. Every well is different--your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know for certain so you can choose the right treatment, whether that means an iron filter, water softener, or other systems.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 166 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 157 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 162 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 304 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 154 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 59 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Radon | 4 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 17 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 17 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 17 | — | Moderate | 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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