Groundwater in Ochiltree County contains chloride, iron, and arsenic at levels that exceed EPA health standards. These are concerning contaminants that well owners should know about and test for.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock and soil of the High Plains aquifer. Chloride and arsenic occur naturally in the underground layers here. Iron dissolves into water as it passes through iron-bearing rocks. Salt deposits left from ancient seas also contribute to chloride in some areas. Over time, water moving slowly through these layers picks up these elements.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium that come from the rock layers below. As water flows through limestone and other mineral-rich layers, it dissolves these minerals and carries them into wells. Very hard water conditions are widespread across Ochiltree County wells.
Arsenic, chloride, and iron are found at levels above EPA health standards in county wells. Arsenic is a poison that can damage your kidneys, heart, and nervous system, and it increases the risk of cancer. Chloride and iron do not pose immediate health risks at the levels seen here but warrant monitoring. Testing your well is the best way to know if these contaminants are present in your water.
County wells tend to have very hard water, which leaves white crusty buildup on faucets, shower heads, and inside pipes. Hard water makes soap and shampoo less effective for cleaning clothes and dishes. The buildup can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may also notice staining or discoloration from iron.
We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. A comprehensive metals and minerals panel costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars and is the only way to know what is actually in your water so proper treatment can be chosen. Water softeners and reverse osmosis systems are two treatment options that address different contaminants.
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 | 11 | 9% | Low | Moderate | |
| Iron | 101 | 3% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 101 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 245 | 0% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Lead | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 98 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 30 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 11 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 3 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 11 | 0% | Low | Low | |
| Uranium | 42 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 2 | — | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| pH | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Sodium | 11 | — | Low | Low | |
| Total Coliform | 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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