Autotrol Arsenic Filter

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Interpreting 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in Arsenic Sampling for Colleton County Aquifer 111SANDD

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled six wells from the Colleton County aquifer 111SANDD between July 2018 and November 2019. In this data set, arsenic was detected in half of the results, indicating that instruments measured its presence in three wells, while the other three wells showed levels below the reporting limit. The median value of 0.81 micrograms per liter (µg/L) indicates the middle concentration value when the results are ordered from lowest to highest, while the range of 0.14 to 3.2 µg/L shows the variability among all samples collected.

Comparing Arsenic Concentrations to Federal Standards: What the Sampling Reveals and What It Does Not

The federal standard for arsenic in drinking water is set at 10 µg/L to protect public health. None of the samples from the Colleton County area exceeded this threshold. This means that, according to this limited data set, arsenic concentrations in the aquifer are generally well below levels considered a health concern by federal guidelines. It is important to note, however, that a detection of arsenic does not imply unsafe water, and these results do not speak to an individual household's water quality.

Understanding Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Arsenic Levels

The samples were collected over more than a year, spanning mid-2018 to late 2019, showing that arsenic levels in these wells exhibit some variation over time but within a relatively narrow range. This suggests that seasonal or annual fluctuations in arsenic concentration occur but remain below federal limits, at least in these sampled wells at depths between 13 and 56 feet.

Applying the Median and Range to Your Household Water Situation

For a homeowner, knowing that the median arsenic concentration in this aquifer is 0.81 µg/L with a range reaching up to 3.2 µg/L can inform expectations about typical water conditions around Colleton County. Since the federal limit is higher, water in this area may not always require arsenic removal. However, because individual well water quality can vary, a household should test its own water to verify arsenic levels for an accurate assessment and to determine if additional treatment is needed to supplement existing equipment that may be insufficient.

Which Household Water Fixtures and Processes Are Most Sensitive to Arsenic Levels

Arsenic in water does not usually cause noticeable taste or color changes, but it can accumulate in water heaters, coffee makers, and ice machines. These appliances may be the first to reflect changes in arsenic content through mineral buildup or potential health concerns if levels were elevated. Addressing arsenic at the point of entry with proper filtration technology can help protect these fixtures and the household water supply as a whole.

These observations are based on U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling of six wells from Colleton County’s aquifer 111SANDD. For full details or updates, refer to the U.S. Geological Survey online groundwater data repository.

For households seeking to enhance their water treatment capacity to address arsenic, the Autotrol Arsenic Filter system ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce arsenic effectively when paired with proper water testing and system sizing.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-11-14. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Arsenic in the 111SANDD aquifer (Colleton County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 0.81 ug/L, range 0.14-3.2 ug/L; none above any federal threshold