Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter

Buy Now

View full details

Water in Pima County homes comes primarily from the local aquifer, where groundwater moves through soil and rock layers before reaching wells. This natural movement brings minerals, including iron, into the water, influencing its quality by the time it arrives at household taps.

How does iron enter groundwater in Pima County’s aquifer?

The Pima County aquifer contains naturally occurring iron that dissolves from minerals underground. According to U.S. Geological Survey sampling from 2016 through early 2024, iron was detected in water from 13 study wells ranging from 37 to 687 feet deep. Concentrations ranged widely, with a median of 250 micrograms per liter and some results as high as 6850 micrograms per liter. These figures reflect the natural variability in the aquifer’s iron content rather than conditions specific to any one home.

Which household fixtures or appliances are affected first by iron bacteria?

Iron bacteria often form slime deposits and staining related to iron presence. The first visible impacts typically appear in fixtures and appliances where water flows or stands, such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, and water-using appliances like ice makers or humidifiers. These areas often accumulate reddish or rusty staining and biofilm buildup because iron bacteria thrive on iron compounds in water.

How do iron levels vary in Pima County over time?

The USGS sampling covered over eight years and showed wide variation in iron concentrations across wells and sampling dates rather than a steady trend. Some results measured very low iron, while others were much higher, indicating that iron levels can fluctuate over seasonal cycles or between wells. This variability highlights the importance of testing each household’s water individually rather than relying solely on regional data.

What distinguishes iron bacteria problems from similar water quality issues?

Iron bacteria differ from plain iron presence by producing slime and biofilm deposits. Unlike simple iron staining caused by dissolved iron, iron bacteria produce a sticky substance that can clog plumbing and lead to odor or discoloration issues. This slime distinguishes it from other common problems such as manganese staining or sediment buildup, which do not involve biological growth.

How does a certified laboratory test report iron and iron bacteria, and how should it be read?

Laboratory testing commonly reports total iron concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L). While iron presence is measured, detection of iron bacteria typically requires specialized testing or visual inspection of slime deposits. Understanding lab results means noting that detection does not imply violation of any health standard; the USGS data for Pima County shows no federal thresholds exceeded. Homeowners should verify both iron levels and the presence of bacterial growth if slime or staining is observed.

What water test should Pima County residents order to confirm iron bacteria?

To confirm whether iron bacteria affect your water, start with a certified laboratory test measuring total iron concentration. If iron levels are elevated or staining and slime appear, a microbiological test specifically targeting iron bacteria or a professional inspection of plumbing deposits can provide confirmation. Resolving iron bacteria issues often involves treatment systems designed for iron and slime removal, such as the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter, which ships ready to configure for residential use.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-02-01. 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 Iron in the aquifer (Pima County): 22 results from 13 wells, median 250.0 ug/L, range 5.2-6850.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold