How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record (Dates and Ranges Given)
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled groundwater from the 120UFAQ aquifer in Highlands County at two wells between April 2015 and January 2026. Three arsenic measurements were recorded, ranging narrowly from 0.22 to 0.28 micrograms per liter, with a median of 0.27 micrograms per liter. These results, captured over more than a decade, illustrate minimal variation in arsenic concentration at these specific depths ranging from 1520 to 1530 feet.
While the data set is limited in sample size, it suggests that seasonal or annual fluctuations in arsenic at these depths within this aquifer section are subtle. However, broader temporal trends or surface effects cannot be ruled out without more frequent sampling.
What the Measured Range Means Against the Relevant Federal Standard, and What It Does Not Mean
The arsenic levels detected in the sampled wells are all below the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 micrograms per liter. This means the measurements do not indicate a violation or health risk under federal drinking water standards. Detection simply shows arsenic presence at low concentrations.
It is important to understand that low-level detection does not imply contamination or unsafe water. Instead, it reflects natural background levels of arsenic in the aquifer, which is common in many groundwater sources.
How Public-System Records Differ From Private-Well Testing in What They Establish
The reported measurements come from public or monitored wells in the aquifer, not from any individual household’s well. These area-wide samples provide a regional overview of water quality but do not represent the arsenic concentration in a private residential well.
Private well owners must obtain specific testing for their own water supply to know actual arsenic levels. Well depth, local geology, and water usage can influence arsenic concentrations uniquely at each site, which area data cannot precisely determine.
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ From Health-Based Limits, Applied to This Constituent
Arsenic is regulated by a health-based federal standard rather than an aesthetic one. This differs from constituents like chloride or total dissolved solids, which have secondary standards addressing taste, staining, or corrosivity.
The federal arsenic limit reflects potential health concerns. Because reported levels in this area are well below that threshold, aesthetic effects such as taste or appearance related to arsenic generally are not a concern here.
How to Judge Treatment Capacity Against the Household's or Facility's Daily Demand
When arsenic treatment is needed, evaluating the capacity of filtration equipment against household water use is critical. The documented Pentair Arsenic Filter ships ready to configure for typical residential flow rates and volumes.
This filter is designed to reduce arsenic concentrations reliably when properly matched to daily water demand. Homeowners should base capacity decisions on their known water consumption patterns to ensure effective treatment.
Knowing your well’s arsenic level through direct testing will guide choosing the right filtration system size and maintenance schedule.
In summary, the U.S. Geological Survey’s sampling in Highlands County aquifer 120UFAQ between 2015 and 2026 found low-level arsenic detections that are consistent over time and well below federal limits. This regional data helps contextualize the presence of arsenic in groundwater but does not replace individual well testing. For the latest information and data, the USGS monitoring location 271752081214001 provides ongoing water quality records.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2026-01-26. 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 120UFAQ aquifer (Highlands County): 3 results from 2 wells, median 0.27 ug/L, range 0.22-0.28 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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