Managing Acid and Hardness in San Juan County Water Supplies with Capacity Planning

Understanding Secondary vs Health-Based Water Standards for Hardness

Aesthetic standards regulate taste and staining, not safety

Government sampling in San Juan County’s aquifer 110AVMB reports hardness levels well below any federal health-based limits. This means detected hardness is not a safety issue but can affect water taste, appliance longevity, and surface staining.

Hardness measurements reflect minerals like calcium and magnesium

The hardness values stem from concentrations of calcium and magnesium, common to groundwater, influencing water’s feel and scaling behavior.

Matching Water Treatment Capacity to Household Demand

Calculate daily grain removal needs based on water hardness and usage

Hardness concentrations reported range from 644 to 1750 mg/L, with a median of 1190 mg/L in area wells. To size treatment properly, household water usage must be combined with hardness levels to estimate total grains of hardness to be removed daily.

A 32,000-grain capacity system suits many residential demands

The Fleck Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System offers 32,000-grain capacity, appropriate for medium to large households depending on actual water use and hardness. Confirm your water’s actual hardness through testing for precise sizing.

Recognizing Household Symptoms Related to Acid and Hardness

Common signs include scale buildup and dry skin, but not all water issues indicate hardness

Scale on fixtures or appliances often correlates with hardness, while acidic water can contribute to metal corrosion. However, symptoms may overlap with other water issues, necessitating specific water testing.

Not all discoloration or taste changes stem from acid or hardness

Changes unrelated to hardness or acidity should prompt additional water quality investigation beyond these constituents.

Evaluating the Sampling Data Behind the Reported Hardness

Data based on 229 samples from 9 wells at 35-68 feet depth

The hardness range and median reflect consistent measurements over multiple years and wells. This breadth supports regional understanding but does not define any single well’s exact water quality.

Sampling does not replace individual well testing

Homeowners should test their specific water source to confirm local conditions before sizing treatment systems.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Water Hardness

Sampling dates span July 2010 to September 2025

Reported hardness values capture variability over a 15-year span, showing a stable but broad range of mineral concentrations in the aquifer.

No significant temporal trends reported

The data do not indicate sharp seasonal shifts; variations appear gradual or tied to well depth and location.

How the Fleck System Addresses Acid and Hardness in Household Water

Removes hardness minerals through ion exchange technology

The Fleck Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System uses specialized media to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness, improving water quality and appliance lifespan.

Neutralizes acidity to protect plumbing and fixtures

Alongside hardness removal, the system balances acidic water to reduce corrosion risks.

In summary, San Juan County area data indicate varying hardness well below health limits but with potential household impacts. Proper sizing of a treatment system like the Fleck Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System depends on combining regional hardness data with household water use and specific water testing. The Fleck System offers a strong capacity solution to treat both acid and hardness effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-09-19. 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 110AVMB aquifer (San Juan County): 229 results from 9 wells, median 1190.0 mg/L, range 644.0-1750.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold