If you have a well in Bernalillo County, you might notice differences in water taste or spotting on fixtures, which often prompt questions about the water's quality. Observing these signs is a useful first step but does not fully describe the water's content or treatment needs.
Sample Size and Coverage Behind the Water Quality Figures
Number of Wells and Samples Represented
The U.S. Geological Survey has collected 470 total dissolved solids (TDS) samples from 18 separate wells in Bernalillo County’s aquifer 112SNTF, over the period 2013 to 2024. These wells range from 150 to 1723 feet deep, providing a broad view of area water conditions, but they do not reflect your specific well’s water.
Limitations of Sample Size and Variation
While 470 samples give a robust general picture, local variations can be significant. A well’s depth, surrounding geology, and construction details influence water quality, so your water might differ considerably from the area median or range.
Interpreting Median and Range of Total Dissolved Solids
Median Value Meaning in Practical Terms
The median TDS for sampled wells in this aquifer is 286 mg/L. This level is below the secondary standard aesthetic threshold of 500 mg/L, indicating that most water sampled would not typically cause notable taste or staining issues. However, 51 results in the sample exceeded the secondary standard, showing occasional elevated dissolved solids do occur.
Understanding the Range of TDS Concentrations
The wide range from 0.31 to 919 mg/L reflects significant water quality diversity among wells. Some water may appear very clear and mild, while others could have a stronger mineral presence affecting taste or appliance wear over time.
Influence of Plumbing Materials and Age on Water Quality Appearance
How Plumbing Components Contribute to Water Characteristics
Even with consistent source water quality, plumbing materials and their age can alter water taste, color, or spotting. For example, older pipes may interact with minerals differently, accelerating staining or causing metallic tastes, which are separate from well water composition.
Distinguishing Source from Plumbing Effects
It is important to test both the water at the well and after it passes through plumbing to differentiate between source water factors and household infrastructure impacts on water quality.
Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Total Dissolved Solids
Potential Impact on Household Fixtures and Appliances
Elevated dissolved solids can over time lead to scaling or buildup on fixtures, affecting faucet operation, shower heads, and water-using appliances. This does not pose a safety risk but may result in maintenance and efficiency issues.
Effect on Water Taste and Usage Experience
Higher dissolved solids can impart taste changes that some find unpleasant, influencing water use for drinking and cooking unless treatment is applied.
Changes After Using the Fleck Complete Well System
Reduction of Dissolved Solids and Improved Water Quality Perception
The Fleck Complete Well System, with a 32,000-grain capacity, is designed to address the dissolved solids commonly found in Bernalillo County’s aquifer. While it does not guarantee specific results for your well, this system typically reduces mineral levels affecting taste and staining, providing clearer water at household taps.
System Readiness for Residential Configuration
This water treatment solution ships ready to configure in your home plumbing setup, enabling you to tailor the system’s operation to your water use and quality conditions.
Overall, the 470-sample dataset across 18 wells in Bernalillo County’s 112SNTF aquifer provides a useful regional baseline for considering your complete well treatment needs. For detailed information and ongoing data, visit the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater monitoring site linked in government records.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-10-16. 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 Total dissolved solids in the 112SNTF aquifer (Bernalillo County): 470 results from 18 wells, median 286.0 mg/L, range 0.31-919.0 mg/L; 51 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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