Acid and Hardness in Bernalillo County Household Water: USGS Aquifer 112SNTFU Findings

Anyone using tap water in Bernalillo County may notice occasional spotting or scale buildup on faucets or inside kettles. Often, this is attributed to the water’s acid or hardness levels. But how severe is this problem here? Understanding local data helps clarify what to test and when to treat.

Myth 1: Begin by testing acidity before considering hardness or other factors

Before ordering lab tests, check for visible signs such as scale, staining, or corrosion on plumbing fixtures, appliances, or water flow changes. These observations are cost-effective first steps to decide if acidity (low pH) or hardness might be concerns. If signs suggest water quality issues, professional testing for pH and hardness is warranted.

Myth 2: Acidity in Bernalillo County groundwater typically causes corrosion or damage

Federal groundwater sampling of aquifer 112SNTFU, spanning 16 wells at depths from 100 to 1630 feet, found pH ranging from 6.7 to 9.3 with a median of 8.0 standard units. Notably, none of 696 samples fell below 6.5, the lower bound of the EPA secondary pH aesthetic range. As this range addresses taste and corrosivity but is not health-based, the data indicates acidity severe enough to cause corrosion is uncommon at the aquifer scale. Nevertheless, local well testing is needed for precise household assessment.

Myth 3: Acid and hardness levels remain steady year-round without meaningful shifts

Samples dated May 2013 to October 2024 show a wide pH range but consistent median levels near 8.0, indicating relatively stable water chemistry over multi-year periods. Seasonal or annual fluctuations do occur, but within this range. This suggests that residents can expect moderate, non-acidic conditions on average, though temporal variation means periodic retesting is prudent.

Myth 4: Treated water will always have reduced acidic and hard characteristics at the tap

When using a treatment system like the Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System, which offers 32,000 grain capacity, water conditioners address both water acidity and hardness. This system alters water chemistry to improve taste and reduce scale, benefiting household plumbing and appliances. The treated water differs by balancing pH within an acceptable aesthetic range and softening hardness minerals, though household testing confirms effectiveness.

Myth 5: All fixtures and appliances are equally affected by acid and hardness

Fixtures such as faucets and showerheads, along with appliances like water heaters and dishwashers, often show early signs of hard water scale or acidic impact. Appliances with heating elements and narrow passages are especially susceptible to buildup. Early attention to these points can guide maintenance decisions and treatment timing.

In summary, start with a visual examination of water effects, then consider lab testing focused on pH and hardness for your specific well. Bernalillo County’s aquifer 112SNTFU shows no widespread acidic water concerns but does show a range in pH. Using an Autotrol System designed for acid and hardness can effectively improve water quality at the tap when testing confirms need.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-10-17. 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 pH in the 112SNTFU aquifer (Bernalillo County): 696 results from 16 wells, median 8.0 standard units, range 6.7-9.3 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 0 of 696 sampled results fell below 6.5