Well Water Nerd

Well water in Colfax County, Nebraska

In Colfax County, 23% of 127 tested well samples exceeded the EPA limit for nitrate (10 mg/L), based on public data from Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse and USGS Water Quality Portal.

127 individual samples from 107 wells, 1979 to 2026. Data refreshed September 9, 2026.

What individual samples found

Each row summarizes every public sample for that contaminant inside Colfax County. Above limit means above the EPA maximum contaminant level; where EPA has no enforceable limit, the row shows a health guideline or nuisance level instead.

ContaminantSamplesDetectedAbove limitMedianHighestLimit
Nitrate
1979 to 2024
12786%23%3.319710 mg/L
EPA limit
Uranium
1995 to 2026
1984%11%4.8561.330 ug/L
EPA limit

Sampled fewer than 10 times, too few to summarize: Radium (226 + 228) (2), Arsenic (1), Radon (3), Manganese (1), Chloride (1).

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What this means

The contaminants most often above their limit here are nitrate (23% of 127 samples) and uranium (11% of 19 samples). A well next door can differ sharply from yours because bedrock fractures, well depth and plumbing all matter, so these rates describe the area, not your tap.

Manganese and Chloride are widespread in local groundwater. They are mainly a staining and taste problem, but high manganese also carries a health advisory for infants.

What to test for in Colfax County

  • Nitrate23% of 127 local samples were above the limit.
  • Uranium11% of 19 local samples were above the limit.
  • Coliform bacteriaRecommended for every private well, every year.
  • RadonMedian local reading is 190 pCi/L.
  • ManganeseDetected in 100% of local samples.
  • ChlorideDetected in 100% of local samples.

Treatment that fits the local profile

Nitrate
Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Anion exchange; Distillation
Uranium
Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Anion exchange; Whole-house anion exchange
Manganese
Oxidizing filter (greensand, birm) whole-house; Water softener (low levels); Point-of-use reverse osmosis
Chloride
Point-of-use reverse osmosis; Distillation

Get your Colfax County water tested at home

A licensed local water treatment company tests your tap water in your home, walks you through the numbers, and quotes treatment only if something needs fixing. Free, about 30 minutes, no obligation. Tell us what you need and we match you with a company that serves Colfax County.

What are you worried about?

The test is free and there is no obligation. Your details go only to the company named above, and we log the time and address of this request.

Common questions

Is there arsenic in well water in Colfax County?

Arsenic was detected in 100% of 1 public well samples in Colfax County, and 0% were above the EPA limit of 10 ug/L. Arsenic has no taste or smell; a lab test is the only way to know your level.

How high is radon in well water in Colfax County?

The median radon level across 3 public samples in Colfax County was 190 pCi/L, with a high of 410 pCi/L. New Hampshire recommends treatment above 2,000 pCi/L.

How often should I test a private well in Colfax County?

Test for bacteria and nitrate every year. Test once for arsenic, uranium, radon, fluoride, manganese and PFAS, then again every three to five years or after any change in taste, color, or plumbing.

Sources

  • Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse: 124 samples in Colfax County. Groundwater quality results compiled by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, University of Nebraska and Nebraska Department of Agriculture in the Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse, contributed by Natural Resources Districts and state agencies. Retrieved September 9, 2026.
  • USGS Water Quality Portal: 30 samples in Colfax County. Data from the Water Quality Portal, a service of USGS, EPA and USDA; groundwater samples collected by USGS and cooperators. Retrieved September 3, 2026.

Non-detects count as samples and are treated as zero when computing medians. Exactly at the limit counts as not above it. A sample belongs to the town containing the well's reported coordinates.