Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Your Water Test Reports

'Detected' Means Presence Confirmed but Not Severity

The U.S. Geological Survey data for Richmond County's aquifer shows iron detected in some samples. "Detected" means the measurement instrument found iron, not that your water is necessarily problematic.

The Median Provides a Middle Value for Awareness

The recorded median iron concentration is 10.9 micrograms per liter, a middle point among all samples that helps understand typical regional conditions but does not describe your specific well.

The Range Indicates Variability Across Wells and Times

Iron levels ranged from 4.2 to 97.4 micrograms per liter in different wells and sample dates, demonstrating natural variation within the aquifer, not a baseline for your water quality.

Number of Samples and Wells: What This Means for Your Interpretation

Data Comes from 101 Samples Across 13 Wells

This volume of data offers a broad overview of the area’s groundwater conditions but cannot replace a test of your own well's water quality.

Multiple Wells Increase Geographic Coverage but Not Specificity

Sampling across wells from 100 to 455 feet deep captures diverse conditions within the aquifer but individual well conditions may vary substantially.

Small Sample Sets Are Limited for Individual Decisions

While 101 samples provide regional insight, your home's water quality requires targeted testing for accurate problem evaluation.

Information to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Collect Your Own Water Test Report from a Certified Laboratory

Document iron and hardness results specifically for your well water, as regional data cannot substitute for your water quality analysis.

Note Well Construction Details

Record well depth and any known water source characteristics to aid in interpreting readings and selecting treatment solutions.

Observe Household Water Characteristics

Track signs like staining or scale buildup as part of the overall picture but avoid assuming these alone indicate concentration levels.

Differences Between Public-System Records and Private-Well Testing

Public Records Reflect Aggregated Regional Data

Data from Richmond County wells provide a generalized view of the aquifer but do not specify conditions in individual private wells.

Private Well Testing Establishes Personal Exposure

Your water test results are the only reliable source for decisions regarding your household water treatment needs.

Health-Based Limits vs. Aesthetic Considerations

The regional iron data for Richmond County wells are all below federal limits, indicating no regulatory exceedances in sampled wells.

How Sample and Well Depth Affect Water Quality Expectations

Depths of Sampled Wells Range From 100 to 455 Feet

Variations in sampling depth can influence iron and hardness levels, so understanding your own well's depth provides context for interpreting results.

Surface Influence Less Likely at Greater Depths

Deeper wells tend to have different water chemistry than shallow ones, affecting hardness and rust indicators in household water.

Source Type Influences Iron Presence

The local aquifer composition affects iron levels, meaning your private well's conditions may differ from general regional sampling.

Worked Example: Interpreting Median and Range as a Homeowner

Median Iron of 10.9 Micrograms per Liter Is Below Federal Concern Thresholds

This median level reflects what many wells in Richmond County experience, indicating typical background iron levels without health-based violations.

Range up to 97.4 Micrograms per Liter Shows Variation but Not Necessarily a Household Problem

Some wells detected higher iron, but this does not mean your well has or will have these levels; only a private test can confirm.

Using Your Test Results to Determine Treatment Needs

If your water shows iron and hardness effects, the C-Series Well Rust + Hardness System ships ready to configure and offers capacity up to 32,000 grains to address such challenges effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-07-10. 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 211MDVL aquifer (Richmond County): 101 results from 13 wells, median 10.9 ug/L, range 4.2-97.4 ug/L; none above any federal threshold