Fleck Metallic-Tasting Water Filter

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Regional Sampling and Its Scope

Number of samples and wells behind Madison County data

Water data for Madison County, specifically aquifer 337FRPN, comes from 27 samples collected across 7 separate wells between 2011 and 2024. These wells ranged from 30 to 79 feet deep. Such a sample size gives a regional picture but does not define the exact conditions of your home water.

The diversity of wells included means the reported range in measurements reflects variation across the area rather than a single source.

Interpreting Laboratory Test Results

What a certified lab test reports for iron in water

Tests measure iron concentrations in micrograms per liter (ug/L). In Madison County's aquifer 337FRPN, median values were approximately 3.8 ug/L, with a measured range from 0.0 to 22.7 ug/L across samples. Detected iron is common and does not automatically imply any safety risk.

Reading test results for your household

If you test your water, understanding whether iron is present and at what level helps diagnose causes of metallic taste. Only testing your specific water can establish your own iron concentration.

Commercial vs. Household Considerations

Additional factors for commercial or industrial water users

For commercial operations, iron levels may impact equipment or processes differently than in a household. Requirements for monitoring and response can be more stringent, but residential concerns focus primarily on taste and appearance.

Household Symptoms Connected to Iron Presence

Signs linked to iron causing metallic taste

• Water with a metallic or bitter taste
• Possible reddish staining on fixtures or laundry
• Water that appears discolored or has particles

Indicators not caused by iron

• Cloudiness without reddish tint
• Unrelated odors or chemical tastes
• Sudden changes without prior pattern

Public Water System Records vs. Private Wells

What Madison County public records show

Public water systems’ records do not indicate any health-based violations related to iron presence. The data from local aquifer wells reflect naturally occurring iron but do not document household-specific conditions.

Importance of private well testing

Private well owners should conduct their own certified water testing to confirm whether iron is present at levels causing metallic taste. Regional data cannot substitute for individual test results.

Measured Range Compared with Federal Guidelines

Understanding the federal secondary standard for iron

The federal secondary standard for iron is 0.3 milligrams per liter, a guideline based on aesthetic factors like taste and staining rather than health risks. In Madison County, 4 of 27 measurements exceeded this threshold, indicating occasional elevated iron in area aquifers.

What exceeding aesthetic thresholds does not mean

• It is not a violation of health safety limits
• It does not indicate unsafe water
• Iron presence below or above this threshold does not define health risks

Addressing Metallic Taste With Targeted Water Treatment

For households experiencing metallic taste likely linked to iron, the Fleck Metallic-Tasting Water Filter offers a direct approach. This system ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce iron-related taste concerns based on measured concentrations. Confirming your own water's iron level through certified testing will guide effective use of this technology.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-21. 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 337FRPN aquifer (Madison County): 27 results from 7 wells, median 3.8 ug/L, range 0.0-22.7 ug/L; 4 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 0.3 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding