Groundwater in Hockley County contains radon, fluoride, arsenic, chloride, iron, manganese, nitrate, PFOS, sulfate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning levels and warrant attention from well owners.
The High Plains aquifer sits above rocks that naturally contain uranium, arsenic, and fluoride. Radon comes from the decay of radioactive materials in the rock layers below. Agricultural activity in this region adds nitrate and chloride through fertilizer use and irrigation practices. PFOS, a human-made chemical, enters groundwater from industrial sources and contaminated sites.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that dissolve from the rock as water moves through it. Sodium and sulfate are also elevated, adding to the mineral load that develops as water sits in the aquifer. These mineral characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.
Wells in Hockley County commonly contain arsenic, uranium, radon, nitrate, and PFOS at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed in. Nitrate is especially harmful to infants and can interfere with oxygen in the blood. PFOS is a chemical that can affect immune function and cholesterol levels.
County well water is also very hard and contains elevated sodium and sulfate. Hard water leaves scale and spots on dishes, fixtures, and shower doors. It can shorten the life of water heaters and dishwashers. The high sodium content may affect the taste of your water. Some people notice a bitter or salty flavor.
We recommend having your well tested with a comprehensive panel because multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Testing costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know what is actually in your water. Your well may have higher or lower levels than the county average, so testing gives you the real picture for your home. Water softeners can help with hardness, and activated carbon or specialized filters can address some 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 1 | 100% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 335 | 51% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 124 | 23% | High | High | |
| Manganese | 125 | 22% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Chloride | 5 | 20% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Nitrate | 20 | 15% | Moderate | High | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 12% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 28 | 11% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Iron | 129 | 2% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 123 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 8 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 5 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 8 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 6 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 5 | — | 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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