Complete Well Water Treatment for Macomb County: Sizing for Aquifer 112OTSH Conditions
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits for Total Dissolved Solids
Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. Federal regulations distinguish between health-based limits, which indicate potential health risks, and aesthetic secondary standards, which address taste, staining, and corrosivity. In Macomb County's aquifer 112OTSH, USGS data show TDS levels well below any federal health-based thresholds. Therefore, while TDS presence affects water characteristics, it does not indicate unsafe conditions for consumption.
How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record
The US Geological Survey sampled this aquifer on September 7, 2016, from wells 30 feet deep. Three measurements ranged narrowly from 0.23 to 169.0 mg/L with a median of 162.0 mg/L. Although these data reflect a single date, collecting from multiple wells supports consistency in this range. Seasonal or longer-term variation is not directly represented here, so further testing over time might be advisable for households concerned about changes.
Which Fixtures, Appliances, or Processes Are Affected First and Why
Water with elevated total dissolved solids can impact household fixtures and appliances by causing mineral buildup that diminishes efficiency and lifespan. Dishwashers, water heaters, and faucets often show effects first due to direct contact and heating processes that promote scaling. Appliances relying on clean water flow may experience reduced performance or higher maintenance needs when TDS levels rise within the aesthetic range.
What Happens When This Problem Is Left Untreated for Years
Without addressing elevated dissolved solids, mineral deposits accumulate inside pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and increasing the likelihood of repairs. Over time, water flow may become restricted, and energy usage can grow due to decreased appliance performance. This gradual degradation affects household comfort and costs but does not translate to health safety hazards.
What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
The term 'detected' indicates that the measurement instrument registered the presence of total dissolved solids at a minimum quantifiable level. In Macomb County's aquifer 112OTSH, all three samples detected TDS, but none were below reporting limits. The 'median' of 162.0 mg/L represents the middle value among the samples, providing a central tendency. The 'range' from 0.23 to 169.0 mg/L shows the spread between the lowest and highest recorded values, reflecting variability within the sampled wells.
Closing Considerations About Area Data and Individual Well Water
It is important not to assume this area data defines the exact condition of your household well water. Variation in well depth, local geology, and water usage may produce different results. For precise sizing and system selection, testing your own water for total dissolved solids and other relevant measures is essential. The Fleck Complete Well System, with a grain capacity of 32,000, ships ready to configure and can be matched appropriately once your water quality and household demand are known.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-07. 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 112OTSH aquifer (Macomb County): 3 results from 1 wells, median 162.0 mg/L, range 0.23-169.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold

