Colleton County's groundwater primarily comes from the 111SANDD aquifer, which supports many residential wells. Water drawn from these wells travels from the aquifer through underground pathways, influenced by local geology and land use, before reaching household taps. Understanding the water quality in this aquifer is key to deciding on an effective well treatment approach.
Myth: The median total dissolved solids (TDS) level tells you exactly what’s in your well water
Government sampling in Colleton County’s 111SANDD aquifer found a median TDS concentration of 72.0 mg/L across 16 samples taken from six wells between 2018 and 2019. These wells were 13 to 56 feet deep. While this median offers a central value for the area, the range of results extends up to 1110.0 mg/L. This wide variability means individual well water can differ significantly. Homeowners should arrange specific testing of their own well water to determine actual TDS levels before selecting any treatment system.
Myth: TDS in groundwater comes from a single source that can be easily identified
In Colleton County, TDS arises naturally as water interacts with underground minerals in the 111SANDD aquifer. This includes rock and soil formations dissolving slowly into the water over time. Additionally, surface water infiltration and human activities can contribute to fluctuations. Because of this complex mixture of sources, TDS varies spatially and temporally rather than stemming from one consistent input.
Myth: You can directly compare Colleton County’s TDS data with nearby counties to predict well water quality
While neighboring counties might have their own sampling records, each aquifer and surrounding environment influence TDS differently. Colleton County’s 111SANDD aquifer shows a particular median and range that reflect its unique geology and land use. Comparing this data with adjacent counties can offer general context but should not replace well-specific testing or decision-making based on local conditions.
Myth: Seasonal or annual variations in TDS are not visible in government sampling data
The Colleton County sampling window from July 2018 to November 2019 includes multiple seasons and covers over a year of monitoring. This timespan captures natural variations in TDS levels due to rainfall changes, groundwater recharge, and usage patterns. The presence of both low and high values during this period illustrates these fluctuations, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring if consistency is critical to household water treatment decisions.
Myth: Plumbing materials and home water systems have no impact on water quality once the source water is determined
Water quality measured at the tap may differ from source water due to interactions with plumbing materials, pipe age, and household water appliances. Corrosion, leaching, or accumulation inside pipes can alter taste, appearance, or dissolved solids levels independent of source water TDS. Awareness of your home’s plumbing condition complements source water data and guides treatment choices effectively.
What homeowners should avoid concluding from area-wide TDS data
The Colleton County groundwater record provides valuable insight into general water quality trends but does not specify conditions in any individual well. A detection or measurement in the local aquifer does not indicate a violation, exceedance, or unsafe condition. Two of sixteen samples exceeded the aesthetic secondary standard of 500 mg/L for TDS, related only to taste or staining—not health. Choosing a well water treatment solution, such as the Fleck Complete Well System with 32,000 grain capacity, should be based on actual well testing and informed by understanding these nuances.
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 Total dissolved solids in the 111SANDD aquifer (Colleton County): 16 results from 6 wells, median 72.0 mg/L, range 0.08-1110.0 mg/L; 2 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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