Fleck Arsenic Filter

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Common Misreading of Arsenic Data in Lake County

Many homeowners in Lake County see a measurement reported for arsenic in local groundwater samples and assume it directly indicates a problem with their own water. This is not the case. The U.S. Geological Survey collected samples from 18 different wells in the Lake County aquifer 110QRNR between 2011 and 2021. These wells ranged from 8 to 18 feet deep. Although arsenic was detected in 21 of 22 samples with median concentration reported at 6.2 micrograms per liter and a range from 0.19 to 59.6 micrograms per liter, none of the results exceeded federal health-based thresholds. This data provides a regional context but does not establish the quality of your individual well or tap water.

How to Understand the Median and Range of Arsenic Levels

As a homeowner, the median value of 6.2 micrograms per liter indicates that half of the sampled wells had arsenic concentrations below this level, while the other half were above. The range, extending up to 59.6 micrograms per liter, shows variability across sampled wells but does not mean your water falls at the high end. Remember, these numbers reflect multiple wells, depths, and locations within the area aquifer, not a single source. Without testing your own water, the regional data only suggests the potential presence and variability of arsenic.

Why Secondary Aesthetic Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits

Arsenic is regulated with federal maximum contaminant levels that are health-based. In the Lake County samples, none exceeded those federal limits. Secondary or aesthetic standards commonly relate to taste, odor, or staining and do not apply to arsenic. Recognizing the difference is important because detections below limits are not violations or unsafe conditions. An aesthetic threshold does not mean your water is harmful. Testing for arsenic aims to identify content relevant to health exposures, not taste or appearance.

What to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Before exploring treatment options, note down the following information:

• Date and location of any water test results available
• Sample depth if known (since depth affects arsenic levels)
• Household water usage rates
• Whether your water is from a private well or a public supply
• Any signs of water discoloration or taste changes

This information helps determine the necessity and scale of any treatment solution.

Order of Steps: Ruling Out Possible Causes

Start with the least expensive steps first:

• Check local public utility reports if your home receives municipal water
• Verify the type and condition of your well or water source
• Inspect plumbing components that could influence water quality separately from source water
• Obtain certified laboratory testing specifically for arsenic concentrations in your water

Only after confirming elevated arsenic through laboratory testing should you consider treatment options.

Considerations for Larger Households or Seasonal Properties

For households with higher water consumption, treatment capacity must align with usage to maintain performance. Seasonal or secondary homes may require different filter maintenance intervals or storage considerations to ensure consistent protection against arsenic exposure during periods of use.

Understanding your household’s specific water use patterns will inform the size and type of treatment system needed.

Addressing Arsenic: The Fleck Arsenic Filter Solution

When testing confirms arsenic levels warrant treatment, the Fleck Arsenic Filter ships ready to configure for residential use. It is designed to reduce arsenic concentrations effectively based on the household demand figures you have measured, providing tailored treatment to safeguard your home's water quality.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-06-22. 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 Arsenic in the 110QRNR aquifer (Lake County): 22 results from 18 wells, median 6.2 ug/L, range 0.19-59.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold