Well owners in Potter County should be aware of iron, arsenic, fluoride, and manganese in their groundwater. These contaminants exceed EPA health standards and are a concern that requires testing and treatment.
The High Plains aquifer here sits above rock and sediment that contain these elements naturally. As water moves slowly through the underground layers, it dissolves arsenic and fluoride from the stone. Iron and manganese come from minerals in the rock as well. This is common across the entire region.
Groundwater in this county carries elevated arsenic and fluoride from natural sources in the aquifer rock. The High Plains formation's composition concentrates these elements as water filters down through the layers over time. Wells across Potter County and surrounding areas share these same characteristics.
Arsenic, fluoride, iron, and manganese are found at levels that exceed EPA health standards in wells across Potter County. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone and dental health. Iron and manganese above health limits can harm the nervous system and cause other health problems over time.
Iron and manganese in county well water create noticeable staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. These minerals leave rust-colored marks that are hard to remove. You may also notice a metallic or unpleasant taste in your water.
We recommend getting a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to know exactly what is in your well, since every well is different and yours may have higher or lower levels than the county average. Testing is the only way to understand what treatment your specific water needs. A comprehensive panel typically costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis systems or specialized filters can address multiple contaminants at once.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | 152 | 5% | High | Moderate | |
| Arsenic | 145 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Fluoride | 228 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 151 | 1% | High | Low | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Lead | 141 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Nitrate | 6 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 20 | 0% | Moderate | Safe | |
| Uranium | 9 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 20 | — | Moderate | 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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