Groundwater in Mills County contains nitrate, iron, fluoride, and arsenic. Some of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, so well owners should test their water and know what is present.
These contaminants come from both natural sources and human activity. Nitrate enters groundwater from fertilizers used on farms and ranches in the area. Iron and fluoride occur naturally in the local rock. Arsenic also comes from the rock itself, leaching into water as it moves through the ground.
Groundwater in Mills County is characterized by moderate iron levels. Iron comes from the local rock and is a natural feature of this region's water. Iron shows up in wells across the county at similar levels.
Wells in Mills County show arsenic, fluoride, iron, and nitrate at levels above EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at high levels can affect bone health and dental development in children. Nitrate poses risks to infants and people with certain health conditions. Iron itself is not a health threat at the levels found here.
Iron in county well water causes staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may notice a metallic taste or rusty color in your water. These issues are annoying but won't harm your health.
We recommend testing your well water to see what is actually in it, since every well is different and yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive panel testing for metals, minerals, and contaminants runs around $200 to $400 and is the best way to understand your water. Once you know what you're dealing with, treatment options like filtration systems or ion exchange can address the specific problems in your well.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 14 | 14% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 41 | 10% | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Fluoride | 102 | 4% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 30 | 3% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Lead | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Uranium | 5 | 0% | 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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