Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains)

Aquifer · Great Plains

Serves 7 cities in our database · ~671,524 residents

296
Avg Hardness (PPM)
13.7
Avg PFAS (ppt)
1.4
Avg Lead (ppb)
7
Cities Served
Soft
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
296 PPM Extremely Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 296 PPM TDS 432 PPM PFAS 13.7 ppt Lead 1.4 ppb Chlorine 1 mg/L Nitrate 3.1 mg/L

About Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains)

The Ogallala Aquifer is one of the world's largest underground freshwater reserves, underlying 174,000 square miles across eight states. It provides drinking water and irrigation to the Great Plains — but it is being depleted far faster than it recharges.

Geography & Hydrology

The aquifer extends from South Dakota to Texas, underlying portions of eight states. In some areas, water levels have dropped over 150 feet since the 1950s. The southern portions in Texas and Kansas are most severely depleted.

How Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) Water Is Treated

Groundwater from the Ogallala is generally clean but extremely hard due to dissolved limestone minerals. Treatment typically includes chlorine disinfection, fluoride addition, and in some cases lime softening for hardness.

Across the 7 cities we track, water from Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) averages 296 PPM hardness (Extremely Hard), ranging from 262 to 320 PPM. This is very hard water - most homeowners benefit from a water softener.

PFAS concern: Cities supplied by Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) average 13.7 ppt PFAS, exceeding the 2024 EPA limit of 4 ppt. An NSF P473 certified filter is recommended for drinking water.

Current Challenges

Depletion rate far exceeds recharge (estimated 6,000 years to naturally refill), agricultural contamination from fertilizers and pesticides, increasing pumping costs as water table drops, and some areas already running dry.

Cities Supplied by Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains)

Water quality varies by city due to local treatment, distribution infrastructure, and source blending.

Lubbock, TX

284 PPM · Extremely Hard 275,041 residents

Amarillo, TX

274 PPM · Extremely Hard 201,291 residents

Grand Island, NE

262 PPM · Extremely Hard 51,478 residents

Clovis, NM

300 PPM · Extremely Hard 41,066 residents

Hobbs, NM

320 PPM · Extremely Hard 40,418 residents

Garden City, KS

320 PPM · Extremely Hard 35,126 residents

Dodge City, KS

315 PPM · Extremely Hard 27,104 residents

Recommended for Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) Water

Based on average water quality across 7 cities supplied by Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains).

Water Softener SpringWell SS1 ~$1,495 Scale Remover CLR Calcium Lime Rust ~$10 PFAS Filter Clearly Filtered Pitcher ~$90

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission on purchases. Recommendations based on water quality data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) water safe to drink?
Water from Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) meets EPA safety standards in all served cities. However, average PFAS levels of 13.7 ppt exceed the 2024 EPA health guideline. A certified water filter is recommended for drinking water.
Why is Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) water so hard?
Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) water picks up dissolved calcium and magnesium from the limestone and mineral formations it passes through underground. At 296 PPM average, this makes it extremely hard.
How many people drink Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) water?
Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) supplies drinking water to 7 cities in our database, serving approximately 671,524 residents. The largest cities include Lubbock, TX; Amarillo, TX; Grand Island, NE.
Do I need a water filter for Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains) water?
Yes. With PFAS averaging 13.7 ppt, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended. Look for NSF P473 certification.