What Does a Certified Laboratory Test for Total Dissolved Solids Report and How Should You Read It?
A certified laboratory test for your well water typically measures total dissolved solids (TDS), which are the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended form. The test results are expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and report the actual concentration found in the specific water sample taken from your well. Understanding that these results apply only to the water sampled is key, as regional data from a well region does not directly represent your own well’s water composition.
In the Virginia Beach city area, aquifer 111SFCL, government records from U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling reflect 140 results across 14 wells, showing a median TDS of 166.5 mg/L with a wide range from as low as 0.18 to as high as 3790.0 mg/L. These results vary greatly depending on well depth, location, and other factors. Your own water test will provide the precise figure for your household’s water.
What Should You Check First to Understand Your Well Water Quality?
To identify the source of your complete well water problem, begin with easily accessible checks before investing in laboratory tests. First, observe any changes in water clarity or taste. Check your household plumbing for leaks or pressure irregularities. Next, review any recent well maintenance or repairs that may affect water flow or quality.
If these basic assessments do not clarify the issue, arrange for a certified laboratory test focusing on total dissolved solids and other relevant parameters to confirm what is present in your water. This scientific data will help you determine the best water treatment approach for your household.
How to Read the Regional Range and Median TDS Values as a Homeowner in Virginia Beach City
The recorded median TDS value of 166.5 mg/L in the area’s wells indicates a typical concentration experienced across sampled wells but does not specify individual well conditions. The broad range, from 0.18 to 3790.0 mg/L, points to varying local geological and environmental influences.
Fifteen of these sampled results showed values above the aesthetic secondary standard of 500.0 mg/L, which relates to taste and appearance rather than health risks. Therefore, some wells may have water that tastes salty or causes staining, but this is not a health violation. Knowing where your well water falls within this spectrum helps in selecting appropriate water treatment technology.
Maintenance Rhythm of the Autotrol Complete Well System Simplified
The Autotrol Complete Well System, which ships ready to configure, is designed to handle up to 32,000 grains of capacity, making it suitable for many household water needs in Virginia Beach city. Regular maintenance involves periodic monitoring and refreshing of the system according to water usage and quality changes. Typically, this entails routine checks to assess the system’s performance and scheduled replenishment cycles to maintain effectiveness.
Following the system’s recommended upkeep routines ensures the treatment remains efficient in reducing total dissolved solids and improving water aesthetics for your home.
What the Recorded TDS Range Means Compared to Federal Standards—and What It Does Not Mean
The federal secondary standard for total dissolved solids is 500.0 mg/L, which is an aesthetic guideline concerning taste, odor, and staining but not a health-based limit. The Virginia Beach city aquifer sampling shows some wells exceeding this level, but this does not imply any health violation or unsafe water conditions.
It is important to understand that detection of TDS above the aesthetic threshold indicates possible taste or staining issues, not health risks. Personal water testing will establish your specific levels and whether treatment with the Autotrol Complete Well System or other means is appropriate.
In summary, regional data provide a context for your well water quality but cannot replace direct testing of your water source.
Closing, this page has outlined how to interpret regional water quality data, the logical steps to diagnose your complete well issue, the role of certified laboratory testing, the maintenance considerations for the Autotrol Complete Well System, and the meaning of federal standards. Following this decision path helps homeowners in Virginia Beach city make informed choices about their water treatment options.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-08-07. 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 111SFCL aquifer (Virginia Beach city County): 140 results from 14 wells, median 166.5 mg/L, range 0.18-3790.0 mg/L; 15 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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