Well Water in Ward County: What to Test and Why

Groundwater in Ward County contains manganese, arsenic, iron, fluoride, nitrate, and uranium. Multiple of these contaminants exceed EPA health standards, making them a serious concern for well owners in this area.

These contaminants come from the local rock beneath Ward County. Manganese and iron naturally occur in the subsurface rocks and dissolve into groundwater over time. Arsenic, uranium, and fluoride also leach from the rock into water as it moves through the ground. Nitrate can come from both natural sources in the rock and from human activities like agriculture or waste disposal.

Groundwater in Ward County is high in iron and manganese from the rock layers that hold the water. As water sits in contact with these rock materials, iron and manganese dissolve and accumulate in the water. These characteristics are widespread across wells throughout the county.

Wells in Ward County show several contaminants at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Arsenic, uranium, and fluoride can damage your bones, kidneys, and teeth with long-term exposure. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants and can cause serious blood problems. Manganese and iron, while also health concerns at high levels, create additional problems for your household.

Iron and manganese in county wells stain laundry, dishes, and fixtures with orange or brown marks that are hard to remove. These minerals leave a metallic taste in your water and can make it smell unpleasant. The buildup also clogs pipes and can reduce the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers over time.

We recommend a comprehensive water test right away, since your well is different from others in the county and could have higher or lower levels of these contaminants. Testing is the only way to know exactly what is in your water so you can treat it properly. A full metals and minerals panel costs between $200 and $400. Treatment options like reverse osmosis or specialized filters can address multiple contaminants at once.