Are you wondering if your complete well in Coconino County, Arizona requires specialized water treatment? Based on regional data sampled from local wells, total dissolved solids (TDS) can vary widely, making it important to understand what these measurements mean for your household.
How Many Samples and Wells Support These Water Quality Figures?
The U.S. Geological Survey collected a total of 29 TDS measurements from 10 individual wells within Coconino County’s aquifer 111ALVM. These samples were taken between October 2016 and July 2021 from wells ranging 33 to 152 feet deep. Being a relatively small sample set across multiple wells, these values represent a snapshot of regional groundwater conditions rather than your specific source.
Interpreting Median and Range of TDS as a Homeowner
The median TDS level recorded was 1250 mg/L, with individual results ranging from as low as 0.84 mg/L to as high as 6330 mg/L. This variation indicates that water quality can shift significantly across wells even within the same aquifer. Median values offer a midpoint reference, but your well’s actual concentration may be different and requires individual testing to determine.
Sequence to Rule Out Water Issues Before Treatment
When evaluating treatment options, first consider the physical state of your plumbing and fixtures, as some effects attributed to water quality might have other causes. Next, look for visible signs such as staining or taste changes that can be linked to higher TDS levels. Finally, obtaining a laboratory analysis of your home’s well water provides the most accurate data to guide treatment decisions.
Differences Between Aesthetic Secondary Standards and Health-Based Limits
The 500 mg/L secondary standard for TDS cited in government records relates to taste, odor, and staining potential—factors affecting aesthetics rather than safety. Exceeding this threshold, as found in 19 of the 29 regional samples, does not imply a health violation or unsafe water. Understanding this distinction helps focus treatment efforts on improving water appearance and usability rather than addressing health risks.
Information to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice
- Depth and age of your well
- Laboratory water analysis results covering TDS and other relevant constituents
- Household daily water use and peak demand
Having this information ready will streamline recommendations tailored to your complete well’s characteristics and your household’s needs.
How Total Dissolved Solids Enter Groundwater in Coconino County
TDS in this region originates from the natural dissolution of minerals as groundwater passes through geologic formations. Human activities may influence levels locally but the recorded range reflects primarily geological contributions. This natural source explains why concentrations can vary substantially between wells in the same aquifer.
In summary, U.S. Geological Survey data from 10 wells sampled over five years show total dissolved solids levels in Coconino County’s aquifer 111ALVM vary widely, with many measurements above the 500 mg/L aesthetic secondary standard. This standard addresses taste and staining but is not a health limit. Testing your complete well specifically is essential to determine your water’s quality and treatment needs. For households seeking direct-purchase solutions, the Fleck Complete Well System is a documented technology designed to manage such water conditions, offering a 32,000-grain treatment capacity suitable for residential demands. More detail on regional water data is available at the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater monitoring site.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-07-07. 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 Total dissolved solids in the 111ALVM aquifer (Coconino County): 29 results from 10 wells, median 1250.0 mg/L, range 0.84-6330.0 mg/L; 19 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding