Fleck Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter

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How Iron Enters Groundwater in Waupaca County

Natural Sources in the Aquifer 100SDGV

Iron in groundwater under Waupaca County comes primarily from contact with iron-containing minerals in the aquifer known as 100SDGV. This iron can dissolve into the water naturally as it moves through rocks and soil.

Variability by Well Depth

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled wells ranging from 19 to 172 feet deep, showing iron occurs at different depths but levels vary depending on local geology and water flow.

Information to Gather Before Considering Treatment

Obtain a Recent Water Test Specific to Your Well

Because area data do not specify your well’s iron level, test your own water to know the exact concentration. This test is crucial before taking any action.

Note Water Appearance and Staining Patterns

Observe if water causes reddish-brown staining on fixtures or laundry, which is a common sign of iron presence in household water.

Record Daily Water Use

Documenting household size and water consumption helps evaluate if specific treatment can handle your water volume when iron is detected.

Interpreting the Range of Iron Concentrations Against Federal Standards

Measured Iron Levels in Local Wells

The U.S. Geological Survey’s 21 samples from 14 wells in the area found iron detected in 10 results, with a median of 65.5 micrograms per liter and a range from 4.0 to 896.0 micrograms per liter.

No Federal Thresholds Exceeded

None of these iron measurements were above any federal iron threshold. Detection means presence but does not indicate a health violation or unsafe water.

Difference Between Detection and Problem Severity

Detecting iron does not directly assess how severe rust or staining may be, which depends on factors beyond concentration alone, such as water pH and oxygen levels.

Adjustments for Large, Seasonal, or Secondary Homes

Higher Water Demand and Treatment Capacity

Homes with many occupants or high daily water use might require treatment systems capable of handling larger volumes without loss of effectiveness for iron removal.

Seasonal Residences and Water Stability

Properties used seasonally may face changes in water chemistry from stagnation or variable aquifer conditions, potentially influencing iron levels intermittently.

Differences Between Public System Records and Private Well Tests

Public Records Reflect Area Averages, Not Individual Wells

Data from public or regional well sampling provide a general picture of groundwater quality in Waupaca County but cannot substitute for a private well test.

Private Wells Require Specific Testing

Your household’s iron condition is best verified by testing your own water supply, as local variations can be significant even within the same aquifer.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Iron Levels

Sampling Dates Show Variation Over Time

USGS samples span from August 2011 to September 2024, revealing that iron concentrations can fluctuate across years and seasons in the aquifer.

Range of Measurements Indicates Local Differences

The wide range from 4.0 to 896.0 micrograms per liter suggests some wells have much higher iron presence than others at different times.

What Not to Conclude from Area Data

Area Data Do Not Define Your Water’s Iron Level

These regional measurements do not establish the iron concentration in your household water. Only a specific water test can do that.

Detection Does Not Mean Unsafe or Violative

Iron detection in area wells does not indicate a federal violation or unsafe water condition. Iron affects aesthetics like staining and taste, not health at these levels.

For Reliable Iron and Rust Control

When iron is a concern based on your own test results, the Fleck Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter ships ready to configure and offers a tested approach to reduce iron-related staining and discoloration in household water.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-09-09. 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 100SDGV aquifer (Waupaca County): 21 results from 14 wells, median 65.5 ug/L, range 4.0-896.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold