Groundwater in Jeff Davis County contains arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and sulfate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concentrations the EPA considers a concern for drinking water.
The rock beneath this county naturally contains these elements. As water moves through the rock layers and soil, it dissolves these minerals and picks up contaminants from both natural sources and human activity like agriculture and septic systems. The dry climate means water stays underground longer, giving more time for these substances to build up.
Groundwater in this county is soft with moderate iron and high sodium as the main mineral features. The local rock contains iron naturally, and sodium concentrates as water moves slowly through the ground in this desert region. Most wells in the county show these same mineral patterns.
Wells in Jeff Davis County sometimes have arsenic, fluoride, iron, manganese, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and fluoride can cause problems with bones and teeth over many years. Manganese and iron at high levels can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children. Nitrate is a concern for babies and pregnant women.
County well water tends to have high sodium, which some people need to watch for health reasons. The water is soft, so you probably won't see much scale buildup in pipes or on faucets. However, the elevated iron can sometimes cause orange or brown staining on sinks and laundry, and you might notice a metallic taste.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive panel since several contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Every well is different, and your water could have much higher or much lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so you can treat it properly if needed. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel runs between $200 and $400 and will show you exactly what you are dealing with. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters can remove many of these contaminants.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate | 13 | 8% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 119 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 80 | 5% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 114 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 35 | 3% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 285 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Lead | 80 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 3 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| pH | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 13 | — | 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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