Pentair Heavy Metals Filter

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If you've noticed unusual taste or staining at your faucet, and your current water equipment isn't resolving these issues, metal elements in your water might be the cause. In Kankakee County, Illinois, groundwater from aquifer 110QRNR has been monitored for selenium, a heavy metal of interest for residential water quality.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Selenium Levels

Between July 2011 and June 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled seven separate wells in this aquifer, each ranging from 12 to 23 feet deep. Fourteen results showed that selenium was detected in eleven samples at levels ranging from 0.05 to 1.4 micrograms per liter, with a median of 0.37 micrograms per liter. Three samples were below reporting limits. These data indicate that selenium presence can fluctuate over time and between wells, but all measurements were below federal thresholds for health concerns.

Ruling Out Other Causes Before Laboratory Testing

Before investing in laboratory analysis of your household water, start by checking simple, accessible factors. Confirm whether discoloration or metallic taste is consistent across all faucets or isolated to one fixture. Note any changes in water flow or clarity. If the problem persists and suggests heavy metals, collecting a certified laboratory water test focusing on selenium and other heavy metals will provide your home's specific profile.

Documenting Your Water Concerns and Conditions

Before seeking treatment advice, write down: the dates symptoms appeared; whether the issues worsen seasonally; if any recent changes in plumbing occurred; and any test results you already have. Note your home's age and the depth of your well, if applicable. This information sharpens the assessment of whether heavy metals enter from your source water or plumbing materials.

Distinguishing Heavy Metals From Similar Water Issues

Heavy metals like selenium can be confused with other water problems such as hardness or iron staining, but they differ in chemical nature and effects. Unlike hardness, which causes scale buildup, selenium is a trace element detected at low levels not linked to scaling. Unlike iron, selenium does not commonly cause colored staining or rusty deposits. Understanding these contrasts helps target the right treatment approach.

Differences Between Public and Private Water Testing Records

Public water system records offer broad data on water quality at a community level but may not reflect your private well's specific conditions. The USGS data mentioned here are from area aquifer samples and do not replace testing your household water. For precise heavy metal concentrations and to confirm treatment needs, a certified laboratory analysis of your own water supply is essential.

Comparing Kankakee County Selenium Data With Neighboring Areas

While regional studies help understand general water quality trends, neighboring counties may show different levels of selenium due to geological and hydrological variations. Do not assume that local aquifer measurements apply identically outside Kankakee County or within individual wells. Careful comparison requires context on sampling depth, timing, and local water use.

Addressing heavy metals in residential water starts with understanding your local water data, evaluating symptoms carefully, and confirming your own water's condition through testing. When equipment no longer functions effectively, solutions like the Pentair Heavy Metals Filter ship ready to configure for home water treatment, targeting metals such as selenium to improve water quality and household comfort.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-06-29. 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 Selenium in the 110QRNR aquifer (Kankakee County): 14 results from 7 wells, median 0.37 ug/L, range 0.05-1.4 ug/L; none above any federal threshold