Autotrol Arsenic Filter

Buy Now

View full details

Understanding the Local Water Source and Arsenic Presence

The primary groundwater source for many homes in Kankakee County is the 110QRNR aquifer, sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2011 and 2021. Water drawn from this shallow aquifer, ranging from 12 to 23 feet deep, typically carries trace arsenic levels measured across several wells. These figures represent area-wide conditions, not individual household wells, establishing a regional context for arsenic presence without implying any well-specific results.

Changes to Water Quality After Using Arsenic Treatment Technology

Removal of Dissolved Arsenic

Once equipped with the Autotrol Arsenic Filter, water leaving the tap will have significantly reduced arsenic concentrations. This system targets dissolved arsenic forms, improving safety and taste by reducing metal traces that might otherwise be present. The filter operates by capturing arsenic compounds, resulting in water that meets all federal arsenic standards after treatment.

Impact on Water Appearance and Taste

The filtered water typically experiences a decrease in metallic taste or slight discoloration sometimes associated with arsenic presence. While arsenic itself is tasteless and colorless, its reduction often coincides with improved overall water clarity and neutrality in flavor.

Assessing Household Demand Relative to Treatment Capacity

Estimating Daily Water Use

Households vary in daily water consumption based on the number of occupants and usage patterns. Assessing your household's daily demand will help determine if a single Autotrol Arsenic Filter system can accommodate your needs, as the system is designed to handle typical residential volumes efficiently.

Scaling Treatment for Larger or Variable Use

If your home experiences higher than average water use or has multiple bathrooms and irrigation needs, consider that treatment capacity must match these demands to maintain effective arsenic removal without compromising flow or treatment levels.

Implications of Sample and Well Depth on Arsenic Expectations

Shallow Well Sampling Context

Samples from the 110QRNR aquifer come from wells between 12 and 23 feet deep. This shallow sampling means arsenic readings primarily reflect conditions near the surface water table. Deeper wells may have different arsenic behavior and should be tested individually to confirm levels.

Variability with Different Water Sources

Homes reliant on surface water or deeper aquifers may experience different arsenic concentrations than those reported in the USGS data. It is important to conduct a well-specific test to accurately assess your water's arsenic content before selecting treatment types or capacities.

Sample Size and Data Reliability Considerations

Number of Samples and Wells

The government data is based on 14 arsenic measurements from 7 distinct wells. While this provides a useful regional overview, the sample size is limited and does not encompass all possible variations within Kankakee County.

Interpreting a Small Dataset

A small number of samples means the data should be considered indicative but not definitive for every household. This underlines the importance of testing your own well water to understand personal treatment needs accurately.

Symptoms That Suggest Arsenic Presence and Those That Do Not

Arsenic-Related Indicators

• No specific taste or odor typically signals arsenic presence; therefore, lack of symptoms does not guarantee absence.
• Signs such as brown or orange staining are not caused by arsenic but can indicate other water quality issues.

Non-Arsenic Symptoms

• Cloudiness, odor, or unusual tastes often relate to other contaminants or water treatment system issues, not arsenic.
• Health symptoms that might be linked to arsenic exposure require professional medical diagnosis and cannot be confirmed by taste or appearance alone.

Influence of Plumbing Materials and Age on Arsenic Concerns

Interactions Between Plumbing and Water Quality

Older plumbing or certain materials can influence water chemistry but do not create or remove arsenic from the water. Arsenic presence is rooted in the source water rather than household plumbing.

Separate Testing for Plumbing-Related Metals

While plumbing may affect levels of metals like lead or copper, arsenic's source and treatment focus remain on the water supply itself. Testing for plumbing leachates is a separate consideration.

Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey data for Kankakee County’s 110QRNR aquifer offers a regional snapshot of arsenic presence, showing low to moderate concentrations well below federal maximum levels. This page detailed key factors to help households assess treatment needs, emphasizing the importance of individual water testing to confirm arsenic levels and daily use needs. The Autotrol Arsenic Filter is a proven technology capable of reducing arsenic to safe standards when matched to proper household demand.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-06-29. 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 110QRNR aquifer (Kankakee County): 14 results from 7 wells, median 0.26 ug/L, range 0.11-10.5 ug/L; none above any federal threshold