Groundwater in Lipscomb County contains manganese, fluoride, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These three contaminants are present at concentrations high enough that well owners should be aware and consider testing.
These contaminants come from the rock layers underground. The High Plains aquifer here sits on and flows through rock and soil that naturally contain these minerals. As water moves slowly through the ground over many years, it picks up manganese, fluoride, and arsenic from the surrounding rock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven mainly by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the rock below. This hardness comes from the mineral-rich layers that make up the aquifer in this region. Very hard water is common across wells throughout Lipscomb County.
Wells in Lipscomb County sometimes contain arsenic, fluoride, and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can harm your skin and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and tooth health, especially in children. Manganese can impact how your nervous system works if you drink it for many years.
The very hard water in this county creates white scale buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. You will see staining on sinks and tubs. Hard water makes soap less effective for cleaning and laundry. Over time, very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers.
Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between $200 and $400. A water softener can help with hardness, and filtration systems can reduce arsenic and manganese.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 102 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 161 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 102 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Iron | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 102 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 31 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 13 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 46 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 13 | — | Low | Low | |
| pH | 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.
Loading recent water news…