What Government Sampling Reveals About Iron in Brevard County Aquifer
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in Brevard County's aquifer, collecting results from four wells 93 to 115 feet deep between November 18 and 19, 2019. Iron was detected in all four samples, with concentrations ranging from 21.2 to 3810 micrograms per liter (ug/L), and a median of 1158.5 ug/L. These measurements indicate the presence of iron is common within the local aquifer supplying many residential water sources.
It is important to recognize that these results reflect the aquifer's condition and not the specific water quality of any individual household. To know the exact iron concentration in your home, a direct water test is necessary. Additionally, none of the sampled wells showed iron levels above any federal thresholds, which means the detected concentrations are below regulatory concern but may still affect water quality in terms of taste, staining, and plumbing impacts.
Understanding the Impacts of Iron and Hard Water in the Home
Iron presence in water typically leads to reddish or brown staining on fixtures and laundry, metallic tastes, and potential clogging or damage to plumbing components. Hard water, characterized by dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, causes scale buildup on faucets, reduces soap effectiveness, and can accelerate wear on appliances.
In Brevard County, where both hard water and iron commonly coexist in the aquifer, homeowners often seek treatment solutions tailored to their specific water conditions. The challenge lies in selecting equipment that effectively targets iron removal while also addressing hard water effects.
Testing Your Water for Informed Equipment Selection
Before deciding on a treatment approach, a comprehensive water test is crucial. Testing should measure iron concentration along with hardness levels, pH, and other possible constituents that influence treatment choice. This data enables choosing equipment that matches your water’s characteristics, ensuring optimal performance.
Comparing Treatment Equipment Classes for Iron and Hard Water
Two common equipment types address iron and hardness: conventional water softeners and specialized iron filtration systems. Standard water softeners use ion exchange to reduce hardness and can handle small amounts of iron, but may not be ideal for higher iron concentrations as they can foul resin beds.
Specialized iron filters that utilize technologies such as air injection promote the oxidation and filtration of iron particles, effectively removing both dissolved and particulate iron. These systems can also maintain water clarity and help reduce staining and metallic taste.
How the Nelsen Automatic Iron Filter with Media Provides a Targeted Solution
The Nelsen Automatic Iron Filter with Media employs an air injection iron removal process ideal for treating water with the iron presence typical of the Brevard County aquifer. It is designed to handle iron concentrations consistent with area measurements, offering a method to reduce iron’s aesthetic and mechanical impacts.
This equipment ships ready to configure and integrates media specialized for iron oxidation and filtration, providing a reliable option for households facing typical hard water and iron conditions identified by government sampling. To confirm suitability, homeowners should first conduct their own water analysis.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. 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.