Groundwater in Randall County contains arsenic, fluoride, nitrate, lead, and manganese at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Iron also exceeds the standard, alongside moderate sodium and sulfate.
These contaminants come from the rock and soil layers that make up the High Plains aquifer beneath the county. Arsenic and fluoride occur naturally in the underground layers here. Nitrate comes from agricultural activity and seeps down into the water over time. Lead can enter from pipes and well materials as slightly acidic water moves through them.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium in the aquifer rock. As water sits underground for long periods, it slowly dissolves these minerals from the surrounding limestone and other rock layers. Very hard water is the standard across wells in Randall County.
Wells in Randall County commonly contain arsenic, fluoride, lead, manganese, and nitrate at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic can damage organs and increase cancer risk over time. Fluoride at high levels can weaken bone health and affect children's tooth development. Lead harms children's brain development and learning. Manganese can affect the nervous system. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause serious illness.
The county's water is very hard, which causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, shortening their lifespan. You may see rust stains from iron deposits, spots on dishes and glassware, and buildup on faucets. Hard water also makes soap less effective for cleaning. Moderate sodium and sulfate levels may affect taste or create a slightly salty flavor.
Every well in Randall County is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common here. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your water so you can treat it properly. We recommend a comprehensive metals and minerals panel, which typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars. Water softeners, reverse osmosis filters, and other treatment systems can address multiple concerns once you know what you are dealing with.
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 ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 1697 | 7% | High | Moderate | |
| Nitrate | 23 | 4% | Moderate |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
|
| Arsenic | 1185 | 2% | High | Low | |
| Lead | 1179 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Iron | 1210 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Manganese | 1196 | 0% | High | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 10 | 0% | Low | Safe | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 10 | — | Low | Safe | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | 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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