Understanding the Bernalillo County Aquifer and Household Water
The Bernalillo County water supply taps into the 110ALVM aquifer, where groundwater reaches household taps through wells ranging 12 to 57 feet deep. According to U.S. Geological Survey sampling from 22 wells over 2010 to 2016, the pH values in this aquifer ranged from 6.8 to 8.0 standard units, with a median of 7.5. These figures fall safely within the EPA's secondary pH guideline of 6.5 to 8.5, indicating generally neutral to slightly alkaline conditions, not a health advisory but relevant for water’s taste and how it interacts with plumbing.
Routine Maintenance Checklist for the Fleck System
Check Salt Levels Regularly
Maintaining appropriate salt quantity in the system’s reservoir helps sustain the Fleck System’s capacity to neutralize hardness and address acidity effectively.
Schedule Regular Resin Regeneration
Periodic regeneration of the resin media ensures optimal removal of hardness minerals and acid neutralization, keeping water quality consistent.
Monitor System Performance Indicators
Keeping an eye on flow rate and water clarity helps identify when the system needs attention before quality changes become noticeable.
Adjustments for Larger or Seasonal Households
Increase Capacity for High Water Usage
Homes with many occupants or increased water use benefit from a Fleck System sized to prevent frequent regeneration cycles, maintaining consistent treatment efficiency.
Allow for Downtime in Seasonal Homes
In properties used intermittently, periodic checks and flushing help preserve system components and water quality during vacant periods.
Capacity Considerations for Residential Use
Match Grain Capacity to Daily Hardness Load
The Fleck System’s 32,000-grain capacity adjusts to the amount of hardness minerals entering household water daily, optimizing treatment duration and frequency.
Estimate Household Water Consumption
Understanding average daily water use helps align system capacity with peak demand, ensuring neither under- nor over-treatment.
Reading Regional Data as a Homeowner
Median pH Indicates Typical Water Acidity
The 7.5 median pH from 63 samples suggests that most wells show neutral to mildly alkaline water, which typically reduces corrosive effects without harsh acidity.
Range Shows Variation to Consider
Although no samples fell below 6.5 pH, readings as low as 6.8 hint at slight acidity that some homes might experience, affecting water taste and pipe longevity.
Sample Size and Data Scope
22 Wells Provide a Broad View
Sampling across multiple wells over six years offers a representative snapshot of aquifer conditions but does not reflect individual well variations.
Multiple Samples Increase Reliability
With 63 total results, the dataset reduces random fluctuation effects, giving homeowners a stable basis for considering treatment options.
First Signs of Acid and Hardness Effects in the Home
Faucets and Showerheads May Show Scaling or Deposits
Hardness minerals tend to form visible buildup, while acidity can slowly affect metal finishes and water clarity.
Water Heaters Experience Efficiency Changes
Mineral deposits from hardness reduce heating efficiency, potentially raising energy costs over time.
Appliance Wear Rates Might Increase
Acidic water can contribute to corrosion, and combined with hardness, may shorten the lifespan of dishwashers and washing machines.
What Regional Data Does Not Say About Your Specific Well
While Bernalillo County’s aquifer data offers important guidance, it does not establish the exact acidity or hardness of your well water. Only a professional water test of your home’s supply can identify your water’s unique characteristics and treatment needs. The Fleck Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System ships ready to configure for direct purchase to provide targeted treatment based on individual water conditions.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-08-08. 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 110ALVM aquifer (Bernalillo County): 63 results from 22 wells, median 7.5 standard units, range 6.8-8.0 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 0 of 63 sampled results fell below 6.5
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