Fleck Total Well Chlorination System

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Which Fixtures and Appliances Show Effects First and Why

In homes drawing water from wells in Sedgwick County's aquifer 112PLSC, water reaches taps through pipes serving various fixtures and appliances. Appliances using large volumes of water, such as washing machines and dishwashers, and fixtures like showers and faucets typically show the earliest signs of water-related issues when total well water capacity is strained. This is because increased water demand can amplify the presence of aesthetic factors such as chloride-related taste or staining, which can become noticeable in frequently used appliances and fixtures.

What to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Before exploring water treatment solutions, document your household's average daily water usage and current equipment capacity. Note water pressure fluctuations and any appearance changes such as taste, staining, or unusual wear on plumbing surfaces. Also, record any recent water test results conducted by a certified laboratory, specifying the concentration of constituents like chloride. Understanding these points helps in identifying whether existing equipment meets the home's demand or if upgrading treatment capacity is necessary.

Understanding Certified Lab Test Reports for Chloride

Certified laboratory tests for well water report constituent concentrations in milligrams per liter (mg/L). For chloride, these tests provide a clear measurement of the salt content affecting water taste and potential staining. In Sedgwick County's aquifer 112PLSC, studies by the U.S. Geological Survey sampled 89 wells at depths between 25 and 260 feet, finding chloride present in nearly all samples with a median concentration of 67.0 mg/L and a range from 6.5 to 2800.0 mg/L. These figures describe the area's water characteristics and are not specific to individual wells.

Interpreting the Range Against Federal Guidelines

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a secondary standard for chloride concentration at 250.0 mg/L, which relates to aesthetic effects like taste and staining, rather than health concerns. In the Sedgwick County area sampling, 73 results exceeded this secondary standard. This does not indicate unsafe water but suggests some wells in the area may require treatment to address taste or staining issues. It is important to remember these area-wide measurements do not indicate the condition of any particular well, as well water testing is required for specific details.

Assessing Treatment Capacity Versus Household Water Demand

When existing equipment is unable to keep pace with water demand, consider treatment options rated for sufficient capacity. For example, a system like the Fleck Total Well Chlorination System offers a grain capacity of 32,000 grains, providing a benchmark for treatment load capability. To evaluate if a treatment system can meet household needs, compare the system’s capacity with the daily water consumption and the levels of constituents detected in your water test. This ensures the treatment system can handle volume and maintain water quality standards effectively.

Influence of Plumbing Material and Age on Water Quality

While the source water quality is critical, the plumbing system itself also affects water taste, staining, and flow. Older plumbing materials may interact with water differently than newer pipes, potentially exacerbating issues like discoloration or taste changes regardless of source treatment. Evaluating both source water and plumbing condition is essential for comprehensive water quality management in the home.

In summary, U.S. Geological Survey sampling in Sedgwick County’s aquifer 112PLSC covered 337 results from 89 wells between 2010 and 2016, providing a broad view of chloride levels in the region’s groundwater. This record, accessible at waterdata.usgs.gov, helps households understand regional water characteristics but does not replace individual water testing for tailored treatment decisions.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-15. 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 Chloride in the 112PLSC aquifer (Sedgwick County): 337 results from 89 wells, median 67.0 mg/L, range 6.5-2800.0 mg/L; 73 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 250.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding