If You Have Not Yet Inspected Your Well Pump or Water Quality
Begin by performing basic sediment checks at your pump screen or well access point to identify visible particles or debris, as these are direct indicators of sediment presence. If clear signs of sediment are absent, the next step is to consider local groundwater quality data to understand what might be expected in your water before moving to laboratory testing, which is more costly and time-consuming.
If You Know Your Well Pump's Depth and Source Characteristics
The wells sampled in Pottawatomie County from aquifer 317GBWG ranged from 110 to 200 feet deep. Sediment presence often correlates with well depth and aquifer materials. A deeper well or one drawing from confined aquifers may have different sediment profiles than a shallow well. Matching your well's depth and construction details with the sample depths offers insight into how representative these regional data might be for your situation.
If You Are Interpreting the Median Specific Conductance and Its Range
The U.S. Geological Survey reports a median specific conductance of 256.0 microSiemens per centimeter (uS/cm) for six wells sampled in Pottawatomie County, with a range from 101.0 to 399.0 uS/cm between 2011 and 2013. Specific conductance measures water’s ability to conduct electricity, which increases with dissolved ions but does not directly indicate sediment content. These values fall well below any federal health-based thresholds. However, higher specific conductance can correlate with increased total dissolved solids, which may impact taste or cause minor scaling, not sediment problems per se.
If You Choose To Obtain a Certified Laboratory Test for Specific Conductance and Sediment Concentration
A certified lab test will quantify specific conductance and may assess turbidity or suspended solids to indicate sediment levels. Results provide precise measurements but do not alone indicate safety or compliance issues in Pottawatomie County’s aquifer. The lab report should be interpreted alongside regional baseline data and local well construction details to fully understand any sediment challenge and the necessity of treatment.
If You Consider the Effect of Employing the Autotrol Sediment From the Well Pump Filter
Once the Autotrol Sediment Filter is in place, water drawn through the system typically shows reduced visible sediment at the tap. This filter technology targets particulates originating from well pumps or sediments carried with groundwater, helping maintain cleaner water lines and fixtures. The filter ships ready to configure and works independently of specific conductance values, improving water clarity and reducing sediment-related maintenance.
If You Account for Seasonal or Multi-Year Trends in Groundwater Quality
The USGS data covering a period from September 2011 to March 2013 provide a snapshot of specific conductance and sediment indicators over multiple seasons. Variation within the range reflects natural fluctuations rather than systemic problems. Ongoing monitoring or periodic retesting helps determine if sediment presence or conductance levels significantly change over time in your well system.
In conclusion, the key step to resolving your well pump sediment concerns is to arrange a professional water test specific to your well. This will establish your particular water quality profile and sediment concentration. Paired with the regional data and the Autotrol Sediment From the Well Pump Filter, you can make an informed decision on the technical approach that best suits your household's needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-03-13. 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 Specific conductance in the 317GBWG aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 256.0 uS/cm, range 101.0-399.0 uS/cm; none above any federal threshold
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