Material and Age of Plumbing Systems
Older Plumbing Can Amplify Corrosion Effects Independently of Source Water
Even if the water source itself presents moderate corrosivity, the type and age of household plumbing heavily influence corrosion severity. Materials like older galvanized steel or iron pipes tend to corrode faster under certain water conditions, while modern copper or PVC pipes may resist corrosion more effectively. This means your existing equipment failure commonly results from a combination of source water chemistry interacting with plumbing materials and their wear over time.
Variation in Corrosivity Over Time in Pottawatomie County
Sampling Dates Show Chloride Concentrations Fluctuate Across Multi-Year Period
Government groundwater samples from 2011 to early 2013 in the aquifer serving Pottawatomie County recorded chloride levels ranging from 12.6 to 106.0 mg/L across six wells. This range indicates variation, not constant conditions. Recognizing that these measurements span roughly 18 months highlights the potential for seasonal or environmental changes to influence water chemistry over time. However, no sample exceeded federal health criteria for chloride concentration.
Distinguishing Corrosivity from Commonly Confused Water Issues
Corrosive Water Is Not the Same as Hardness or Sediment Problems
While scaling from hardness or sediment buildup are frequent water challenges, corrosive water primarily refers to the water’s potential to degrade plumbing through chemical interactions. It can cause leaks, pitting, or pipe damage distinct from deposits that clog or stain. Recognizing the difference matters when selecting a treatment method designed specifically for corrosion control rather than merely reducing hardness or filtering particles.
Public System Records Versus Private Well Testing
Local Aquifer Sampling Provides Area-Wide Data, Not Conditions at Your Tap
The U.S. Geological Survey’s data represent samples from six separate wells in the region’s aquifer, not directly from your household water supply. This establishes general levels typical to the area but does not substitute for an actual water test of your individual well or connection. Testing your own tap water remains essential to identify corrosivity and adjust treatment precisely to your home's needs.
Evaluating Treatment Capacity Against Household Water Demand
Match System Capability to Your Daily Water Use for Effective Corrosion Control
When choosing equipment to manage corrosive water, consider household size and daily consumption patterns. Proper capacity ensures your system handles all water entering the home without bypass or overload, maintaining pipe integrity. The Fleck Corrosive Water Damaging Pipes Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to address corrosion issues efficiently when sized appropriately to your household’s volume.
Summary and Source Reference
This overview is based on chlorine chloride concentrations measured in the N300CNRLOK aquifer serving Pottawatomie County, using data collected from six wells sampled between August 2011 and March 2013 by the U.S. Geological Survey. Visit the USGS National Water Information System for more details on groundwater quality in your area.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-03-26. 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 Chloride in the N300CNRLOK aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 18.1 mg/L, range 12.6-106.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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