Groundwater in Roberts County contains manganese, fluoride, and arsenic. Fluoride and manganese exceed EPA health standards, so these contaminants deserve attention when testing your well.
The High Plains aquifer sits on layers of sand, gravel, and silt that naturally contain these minerals. Fluoride and manganese occur naturally in the rock and soil, leaching into groundwater over time as water moves through the ground.
Groundwater in this county is very hard, driven by elevated calcium and magnesium from the rock layers below. The sandy and gravelly soil here allows water to stay in contact with mineral-rich rock, concentrating these elements. Very hard water is widespread across wells in Roberts County.
Wells in Roberts County are showing fluoride and manganese at levels above EPA health standards. Fluoride in drinking water at elevated levels can cause dental fluorosis, which affects tooth appearance and development in children. Manganese at high levels can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in babies and young children who drink it regularly.
The very hard water in county wells creates some annoying household problems. You will probably see staining on sinks, tubs, and laundry from iron and manganese. Hard water leaves scale buildup on pipes, faucets, and inside appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, which can shorten how long these systems last. You might also notice a metallic taste or smell in the water.
We recommend testing your well water, since every well is different and yours could 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 you can treat it properly. A water softener can help with hardness, and specific filters can remove iron and manganese.
| 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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