Autotrol Heavy Metals Filter

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Record of Heavy Metals Levels in Washington County Groundwater

Government sampling of aquifer 112SDGVD in Washington County, Nebraska, shows selenium was detected in half of the test results from local wells, with values ranging from 0.04 to 0.29 micrograms per liter (ug/L) and a median of 0.08 ug/L. These samples came from wells between 25 and 225 feet deep, collected between September 2010 and August 2012.

Information to Gather Before Consulting on Heavy Metals Treatment

Before evaluating treatment options, record the depth of your well, the source of your water (e.g., groundwater or surface water), and recent water quality test results specifically for selenium and other heavy metals. Knowing the depth and source is essential because contaminant levels, including selenium, vary with well depth and water source type.

Impact of Well Depth and Source Type on Selenium Concentrations

Groundwater from deeper wells often shows different heavy metals levels than shallow wells due to geochemical and hydrological factors. Selenium concentrations can vary at depths from 25 to over 200 feet, as seen in the Washington County samples, so the depth of your well influences expectations for selenium presence.

Distinguishing Aesthetic Secondary Standards from Health-Based Limits

Some water quality guidelines set secondary standards for constituents like selenium based on taste, staining, or corrosivity, but these are separate from health-based federal limits. The selenium levels recorded in Washington County wells do not exceed any federal health thresholds, indicating no health violation. Understanding this distinction helps in deciding if treatment is necessary.

Interpreting Washington County Selenium Data Relative to Federal Standards

The federal maximum contaminant level for selenium in drinking water is higher than the highest detected concentration in the local aquifer samples. This means that while selenium is measurable, it remains below levels that federal regulations consider a health concern. This does not imply individual well water concentrations, which must be confirmed by private testing.

Example: Understanding Median, Range, and Detection in This Sampling

In the eight samples from five wells, selenium was detected in four and not detected (below reporting limits) in four. The median value of 0.08 ug/L means half the detections were above and half below this level. The range indicates the spread from the lowest detected to the highest detected result. This helps homeowners gauge typical and maximum concentrations found in the area.

Clarifying Terms Used in the Government Sampling Record

• Detected: Selenium was measurable above the reporting limit in a sample.
• Median: The middle value when detected concentrations are ordered numerically.
• Range: The span from the lowest detected concentration to the highest detected concentration.

This data refers specifically to samples from aquifer 112SDGVD in Washington County, Nebraska, and should not be taken as a direct measure of your well water quality without testing your own supply.

For detailed original data, consult the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling records for Washington County aquifer 112SDGVD.

For households considering treatment, the Autotrol Heavy Metals Filter is designed to address elevated selenium and other heavy metals by conditioning your water supply. It ships ready to configure for in-home use.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2012-08-13. 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 112SDGVD aquifer (Washington County): 8 results from 5 wells, median 0.08 ug/L, range 0.04-0.29 ug/L; none above any federal threshold