Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System

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This week, you need to decide how to size water treatment equipment to address acid and hardness in your household water supply drawn from the Palm Beach County aquifer.

What to Write Down Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Recent Water Test Results from Your Own Well

Obtain a certified laboratory analysis of your well water to know its exact hardness and acid content. Regional data alone cannot determine your specific concentrations.

Typical Household Water Usage

Calculate average daily water use in gallons to match treatment capacity to demand.

Plumbing Materials and Age

Note the types and conditions of household plumbing pipes and fixtures, as these can influence corrosion and deposit formation independently from source water quality.

Extent and Interpretation of Regional Aquifer Sampling

Sample Size and Range

The U.S. Geological Survey collected nine well water samples from depths between 15 and 258 feet across Palm Beach County aquifer between 2011 and 2019.

Hardness Levels in the Area

The median hardness measured was 298 mg/L with values ranging from 212 to 414 mg/L as calcium and magnesium combined, reflecting moderate to high hardness overall.

What These Figures Indicate

All samples were below federal hardness thresholds, indicating no regulatory violations, but hardness at these levels commonly affects water quality and household fixtures.

Role of Plumbing Materials and Their Condition Separate from Source Water

Potential for Acid Corrosion in Older Systems

Acidic water can accelerate corrosion of metal pipes, especially older galvanized steel or iron, adding metal ions to water.

Effect on Scale Formation

Hard water minerals can accumulate scale inside plumbing, reducing flow and efficiency.

Material-Specific Responses

Copper and plastic piping respond differently to acid and hardness; plastic generally resists corrosion better but can still experience scaling.

Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Operators

Higher Water Use Volumes

Commercial users need to size treatment systems based on significantly larger flow rates and total water volumes.

Process-Specific Water Quality Needs

Some processes require tighter control of water hardness and pH than typical household use.

Regulatory and Reporting Requirements

Commercial operators may have to comply with additional water quality standards and documentation, unlike residential households.

Fixtures and Appliances Most Affected by Acid and Hardness

Water Heaters and Boilers

Hardness causes scale buildup, reducing efficiency and lifespan; acidic water can corrode heating elements and tanks.

Faucets and Showerheads

Scale and corrosion can clog openings, reduce flow, and cause staining.

Washing Machines and Dishwashers

Mineral deposits can impair performance and increase detergent use.

Pipes and Valves

Both can be damaged by acid corrosion and mineral scaling, potentially leading to leaks or blockages.

Choosing the right treatment system involves confirming your own water's acid and hardness levels, considering your water usage, and understanding how your plumbing materials interact with these constituents. The Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System, with a 32,000 grain capacity, ships ready to configure and can be sized accordingly to address these factors effectively.

This checklist clarifies the key data points and considerations specific to Palm Beach County aquifer conditions and your household situation to guide your sizing decision for acid and hardness water treatment.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-11-19. 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 Hardness, Ca, Mg in the aquifer (Palm Beach County): 9 results from 9 wells, median 298.0 mg/L, range 212.0-414.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold