In Washington County, Rhode Island, groundwater supplying household taps often originates from aquifer 112SRFD. This source consists of wells typically ranging from 72 to 95 feet deep and contributes to the water residents use daily. Understanding the water characteristics in this aquifer is essential for households assessing options to address corrosive water.
If a Certified Laboratory Test Shows Chloride Levels in Your Water
Certified laboratory results report chloride concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L). This measurement reflects how much chloride is dissolved in the water sample. In Washington County's aquifer 112SRFD, sampling from two separate wells over several years shows a chloride range from 23.7 to 91.1 mg/L, with a median of 38.85 mg/L. Interpreting these values requires knowing that chloride influences water's corrosivity and can affect taste, staining, and metal pipe damage over time. Accurate testing of your own water source is necessary to determine specific levels affecting your household.
If You Compare Public System Records with Private Well Tests
Public system records provide area-wide data reflecting conditions from multiple wells, such as those sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey in aquifer 112SRFD. These records indicate regional water quality trends but do not establish exact conditions in your private well. Private well testing offers a precise assessment of your household water. This distinction is important when evaluating corrosive water treatment, as area data can guide, but does not replace, individual water analysis.
If You Wish to Compare Washington County's Aquifer Data with a Neighboring County
Comparing chloride concentrations and variability across counties should be done carefully. Variations in aquifer geology, depth of wells, and sampling frequency affect results. Washington County's aquifer 112SRFD shows chloride consistently detected but always below federal health-based limits. Nearby counties may have different ranges or median values, but these differences do not demonstrate safety or issues at any single household well. The local data provide context but require accurate interpretation without assuming uniform water quality.
If You Consider How Seasonal or Multi-Year Changes Appear in the Data
Sampling dates from May 2011 to September 2019 highlight the temporal range included in the government dataset for Washington County's aquifer 112SRFD. Chloride levels recorded in this timeframe show variation within the stated range but no trend indicating an exceedance of federal thresholds. Understanding that water quality can fluctuate seasonally or year to year underscores the importance of periodic personal well testing, especially when planning corrosive water treatment strategies.
If You Evaluate Measured Chloride Levels Against Federal Standards
The range of chloride detected in this aquifer falls below all applicable federal health-based standards. These standards are designed to protect consumers from health risks; chloride’s regulatory limits mainly address taste, staining, and corrosivity rather than toxicity. Thus, a measured chloride level detected in your area does not signify a health violation or unsafe condition. Instead, it can indicate a potential for corrosivity that may warrant treatment to protect plumbing and appliances.
Households considering treatment options for corrosive water might explore the C-Series Corrosive Water Damaging Pipes Filter, which ships ready to configure. This technology is documented to address water corrosivity effectively, helping to reduce pipe damage while maintaining water quality. Choosing between technical approaches requires understanding local water characteristics and obtaining personal water tests to make an informed decision.
In summary, the government-sampled data for aquifer 112SRFD in Washington County represent results from multiple wells over an eight-year span. These findings provide insight for households evaluating corrosive water treatment but must be complemented by individual water testing. For full details, visit the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring location 412926071324104.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-09-17. 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 112SRFD aquifer (Washington County): 4 results from 2 wells, median 38.85 mg/L, range 23.7-91.1 mg/L; none above any federal threshold