Fleck Acidic / Low-pH Water Filter

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If my water damages fixtures or appliances first, what does that mean about acidity?

When water is acidic, its lower pH can cause early wear on plumbing components and appliances that handle water frequently. For example, metal pipes or faucets may develop corrosion or staining sooner than expected. Also, water heaters and dishwashers can accumulate scale in unusual patterns or show reduced lifespan. Acidic water tends to react with metals faster, leading to these issues before other symptoms appear.

If public water system data shows typical pH values, can I assume my private well is the same?

Public water supply records for Shawano County’s aquifer 110SDGVP report median pH values around 7.1, within the EPA's aesthetic range of 6.5 to 8.5. However, this data comes from specific wells sampled and does not represent every private well or household. Private wells can have different pH levels depending on depth, local geology, and well construction. To understand your own water’s acidity, testing your specific well is necessary.

If acidic water is ignored over many years, what can happen?

Continued exposure to acidic water can gradually degrade plumbing infrastructure, causing leaks and metal release into the water. Fixtures may tarnish or pit, and appliances that depend on water quality might fail prematurely. While acidity is not a health hazard at typical levels, the long-term cost of damage to home systems and the inconvenience of repairs can be significant.

If my household observes certain symptoms, which ones suggest acidic water is the cause?

Signs that point toward acidic water include:

• Metallic or sour taste not linked to contaminants
• Staining or corrosion marks on sinks, tubs, and toilets
• Faster deterioration of pipes or faucet finishes
• Lower-than-normal water pressure due to pinhole leaks

However, some symptoms such as cloudiness or sediment are unrelated to acidity and have other causes. Only a water test for pH can clarify the issue.

If neighboring counties show different pH ranges, how should I interpret that compared to Shawano County?

Neighboring areas may have pH measurements that vary due to geology or hydrology differences. For example, another county’s aquifer might show a median pH slightly above or below Shawano County’s 7.1. These variations do not predict your well water’s pH but offer regional context. Avoid assuming your water’s acidity based solely on adjacent county data.

Data for Shawano County’s aquifer 110SDGVP shows no recorded pH values below 6.5, indicating acidic water is not common in sampled wells here. But only testing your water directly can confirm if acidity exists in your household.

For households considering treatment options, the Fleck Acidic / Low-pH Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to address low-pH water. It balances water pH, helping protect plumbing and appliances from acidic effects. Choosing this equipment should be based on confirmed water testing results and an understanding of your home’s specific needs.

Importantly, area sampling data should not be taken as proof of your own water’s condition. Testing your water’s pH is the only way to know for certain if acidic water is a concern requiring treatment.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-08-22. 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 110SDGVP aquifer (Shawano County): 5 results from 1 wells, median 7.1 standard units, range 7.0-7.8 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 0 of 5 sampled results fell below 6.5