What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record
The groundwater sampling from Pottawatomie County's aquifer 310WLNG includes 52 separate wells, each tested once between March 2011 and May 2013. The term 'detected' indicates that every well showed measurable pH values, which ranged from 5.4 to 8.6 standard units. The median pH of 7.2 suggests that half the samples were above and half below this value. This range includes values below the EPA secondary standard lower limit of 6.5, indicating instances of more acidic water in the area. However, this secondary standard relates to aesthetic and corrosivity concerns and is not a health-based limit. It is important to recognize the difference between these statistical terms and what they imply for individual wells, which need their own specific testing to determine actual pH.
How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record
The sampling data spans a period of over two years, encompassing different seasons. This timeframe captures some natural variation in pH that can occur with changing groundwater conditions. The documented range of 5.4 to 8.6 standard units reflects both acidic and basic levels occurring at various times and locations within the aquifer system. Such variation is typical and means that pH can fluctuate depending on seasonal factors such as rainfall and aquifer recharge. While this record does not provide continuous monitoring, it offers insight into how household water may vary across time, reinforcing the need for periodic individual water testing.
What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property
Household size and usage patterns can affect how acidic water impacts plumbing and fixtures. Larger households or homes with higher water consumption might experience different rates of metal leaching or pipe wear compared to smaller or seasonal residences. Seasonal or second homes may face periods of stagnation, which can alter water chemistry and pH temporarily. Understanding the aquifer's variable pH is useful, but actual water characteristics at the property can differ. Testing water quality before use periods and employing treatment approaches suitable for acidic water can help maintain plumbing integrity and water quality tailored to household needs.
How Sample Depth, Well Depth, or Source Type Changes What a Reader Should Expect
The wells sampled range in depth from 80 to 320 feet, reflecting a variety of groundwater zones. Deeper wells may encounter water with different mineral content affecting pH compared to shallower wells. Source type, such as well construction and surrounding geology, also influences water characteristics. The USGS data for Pottawatomie County's aquifer includes this depth range but does not differentiate source types in detail. Households with wells outside this depth range or using alternative sources should consider that pH may differ. Individual water testing is necessary to understand specific water conditions and to decide on treatment approaches.
How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means
The record includes 52 samples from 52 different wells, providing a moderate dataset for this geographic region. While this number offers a reasonable overview of groundwater pH variability in the aquifer, it does not guarantee that any single well will match these values. Smaller sample sizes can limit the representativeness of data, but here the spatial distribution supports an understanding of regional trends. For household decision-making, this means that while regional data is informative, personal water quality testing remains essential to identify acidic water issues and to consider treatment options.
WaterSoftenerPlus's C-Series Acidic / Low-pH Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to address acidic water conditions by neutralizing low pH and protecting household plumbing. This product is one means to manage acidic water once confirmed by testing.
The USGS groundwater sampling data for Pottawatomie County’s aquifer 310WLNG provides a regional pH profile from 52 wells sampled between 2011 and 2013. For detailed individual water quality, direct testing is advised. More information is available at the USGS monitoring location 352657097054401.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-05-01. 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 310WLNG aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 52 results from 52 wells, median 7.2 standard units, range 5.4-8.6 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 15 of 52 sampled results fell below 6.5