Well Water in Midland County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Midland County contains radon, arsenic, nitrate, and several other contaminants that exceed EPA health standards, including fluoride, uranium, lead, manganese, and PFOS. These levels are serious enough to warrant testing and awareness, though they vary across the county.

The High Plains aquifer here sits in sandy and gravelly rock that naturally contains uranium, arsenic, and radon. Nitrate enters from agricultural fertilizer and septic systems in the area. These contaminants accumulate in the water as it moves slowly through the ground.

Groundwater in this county is very hard, with elevated calcium and magnesium that come from minerals dissolving out of the rock layers below. The water also carries moderate amounts of sodium and sulfate. These mineral-rich conditions are found in wells across the county, though the exact levels vary from one location to another.

Wells in Midland County can contain arsenic, uranium, radon, fluoride, lead, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic and uranium are radioactive metals that can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk over time. Radon is a radioactive gas that enters lungs and raises lung cancer risk. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone and tooth development in children. Lead harms the brain and nervous system, especially in young children. Nitrate is particularly dangerous for infants and can interfere with how blood carries oxygen.

The county's water is very hard, which creates visible problems in your home. You'll likely see rusty or brown staining on fixtures, dishes, and laundry from iron and manganese. The water may have a metallic taste or smell. Hard water reduces how well soap works and leaves scale buildup in pipes and on appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. The moderate sodium levels add a slightly salty taste.

Every well is different, and yours could have higher or lower levels than what's common in the county. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to find out exactly what's in your water so you can treat it properly. Testing is the only way to know your well's actual profile. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Depending on what testing shows, treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or whole-house filters can remove multiple contaminants.