Groundwater in Roberts County contains manganese, fluoride, and arsenic. Fluoride and manganese are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards and warrant attention.
These contaminants come from the rock layers beneath the county. Water moving slowly through sand and sediment in the High Plains aquifer dissolves naturally occurring metals and minerals, including manganese and fluoride from the surrounding stone. Arsenic also occurs naturally in trace amounts in this type of bedrock.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock formations below. As water sits underground in contact with mineral-rich sediment and stone, it picks up these elements over long periods. Hard water conditions are widespread across wells throughout Roberts County and the surrounding region.
Wells in Roberts County commonly have fluoride and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride at elevated levels can affect bone health and dental development in children. Manganese exposure can impact the nervous system and brain function, especially with long-term drinking water exposure.
The county's water is very hard, which means you may see white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. Hard water reduces how well soap and shampoo work, and it leaves spots on dishes and laundry. Over time, very hard water shortens the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You might also notice a metallic taste from the moderate iron levels in the water.
We recommend testing your well water with a comprehensive metals and minerals panel to see what is actually in your water. Every well is different, and your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know for certain so you can get proper treatment. A comprehensive panel typically costs between two hundred and four hundred dollars, and treatment options like water softeners or iron removal systems can help address these issues.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese | 65 | 2% | Moderate | Low | |
| Fluoride | 302 | 1% | High | Low | |
| Arsenic | 65 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Iron | 64 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 65 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrate | 18 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 2 | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Radon | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sulfate | 2 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 25 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| E. coli | 1* | 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ | |
| Hardness | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| pH | 2 | — | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Sodium | 2 | — | 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.
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