Groundwater in Howard County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, uranium, sulfate, and PFAS compounds. Multiple contaminants exceed EPA health standards at concerning levels.
These contaminants come from both the rock layers underground and human activities. The High Plains aquifer sits in sandy and gravelly ground that naturally contains arsenic, uranium, and fluoride. Chloride and sulfate build up in the water because of the mineral composition of the rock and because deeper saltwater can mix upward into shallower groundwater. Nitrate enters from fertilizer use and septic systems in agricultural areas.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfate as the dominant minerals driving its character. These minerals dissolve naturally from the rock layers as water moves through the aquifer. Elevated sulfate and very high sodium are common across wells in this county.
Wells in Howard County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, uranium, fluoride, nitrate, and PFOS and PFHXS compounds. Arsenic and uranium are elements that build up in your body over time and can increase cancer risk. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and tooth development. Nitrate reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and poses particular concern for infants. PFOS and PFHXS are synthetic chemicals linked to liver damage, immune system effects, and other health problems.
The mineral content in county wells creates significant quality-of-life challenges. Groundwater here is extremely hard, which shortens the lifespan of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. You will likely see rust and brown staining on fixtures and laundry. The water tastes salty and bitter from high sodium and sulfate levels. Scale buildup inside pipes reduces water flow and clogs fixtures.
Every well is different, and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common countywide. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on your results, treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specific filters can address multiple 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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloride | 30 | 90% | Moderate | High | |
| Sulfate | 10 | 80% | Low | High | |
| Nitrate | 24 | 50% | Moderate | High | |
| Arsenic | 96 | 46% | Moderate | High | |
| Fluoride | 207 | 15% | High | High | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 7 | 14% | Low | Moderate ⓘ | |
| Iron | 90 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 70 | 7% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 67 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 7 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 10 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 7 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 10 | — | 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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