Groundwater in Lubbock County contains arsenic, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, radon, sulfate, and uranium at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These contaminants are present at concerning concentrations that well owners need to know about.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil of the High Plains aquifer itself. Arsenic, uranium, fluoride, and manganese occur naturally in the sand and gravel layers underground. Nitrate enters from agricultural fertilizers and animal waste that seep down from the surface. Chloride and sulfate build up as water moves slowly through the rock over time.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the underground rock. Sodium and sulfate levels are also very high, adding to the mineral content that accumulates as water sits in the aquifer for long periods. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout Lubbock County.
Wells in Lubbock County commonly exceed EPA health standards for arsenic, uranium, nitrate, radon, and fluoride. Arsenic and uranium can damage your kidneys and increase the risk of cancer over time. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause serious illness. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone health and dental development in children.
County well water is very hard and contains high levels of sodium and sulfate. The hardness leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and reduces how well soap lathers. High sodium content may affect the taste and is a concern for people on salt-restricted diets. Very hard water like this shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice a bitter or salty taste in your water.
Testing is recommended because every well is different and your water could have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400 and is the only way to know exactly what is in your well so you can treat it properly. Reverse osmosis systems or ion exchange water softeners can help address multiple contaminants and hardness concerns.
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 | 198 | 92% | High | High | |
| Sulfate | 198 | 81% | High | High | |
| Arsenic | 117 | 40% | High | High | |
| Radon | 3 | 33% | Low | High ⓘ | |
| Fluoride | 585 | 31% | High | High | |
| Iron | 315 | 12% | High | Moderate | |
| Uranium | 45 | 9% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Manganese | 306 | 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Nitrate | 215 | 2% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 116 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrite | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 19 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Total Coliform | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 198 | — | High | Low | |
| pH | 200 | — | High | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 19 | — | Moderate | Safe | |
| Hardness | 198 | — | High | Low | |
| E. coli | 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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