Corrosive Water in Lafayette Parish: Understanding Treatment Limits for Household Equipment

Difference in Water Quality at the Tap with Pentair Treatment

When corrosive water from Lafayette Parish's aquifer 112CHCTU passes through the Pentair Corrosive Water Damaging Pipes Filter, its interaction with household plumbing changes noticeably. This equipment targets acidic components lowering pipe corrosion potential, adjusting the water's chemical balance to reduce deterioration effects on pipes and fittings, unlike untreated water that carries the area's natural pH variability directly into the home.

Initial Impact on Household Fixtures and Appliances

Fixtures and appliances with metal components such as faucets, water heaters, and dishwashers are the first to be affected by corrosive water. Acidic water can accelerate metal leaching and cause mineral scale loss, leading to leaks and reduced appliance lifespan. The Pentair system reduces these effects by mitigating water acidity, thereby slowing corrosion and mineral erosion at these critical points.

Steps to Identify the Source of Corrosion Concerns

Before considering new treatment options, begin by inspecting visible signs of corrosion on fixtures and pipe joints. Next, check the plumbing material and its age, as older metal pipes tend to corrode faster independent of water quality. If issues persist, water testing by a certified laboratory is advisable to understand specific acidity and corrosion potential in your well or tap water.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Changes in Water Corrosivity in Lafayette Parish

The US Geological Survey recorded 113 pH samples from 31 wells in Lafayette Parish’s aquifer 112CHCTU between 2011 and 2021. The pH values ranged from 5.5 to 8.3 standard units, with a median of 6.7. This data shows notable variation over seasons and years, indicating that corrosiveness fluctuates naturally over time, which can affect the severity of water’s impact on household plumbing.

Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Government Sampling Data

In this record, 'detected' means pH was measured in all 113 results, never below the reporting limit. The 'median' of 6.7 is the midpoint pH value, showing typical acidity around slightly acidic to neutral levels. The 'range' from 5.5 to 8.3 illustrates variability, including measurements that fall below EPA secondary standards for pH, indicating periods when water may be more corrosive or less so depending on conditions.

What Area Sampling Data Should Not Suggest About Your Water

Area data from Lafayette Parish’s aquifer 112CHCTU cannot specify your individual water's exact condition. The range and median values apply to multiple wells sampled over years and depths and do not represent a direct measurement of your household's water. Only an individual test can determine your well or municipal water's specific pH and corrosive potential. Additionally, pH values below the EPA’s secondary standard for aesthetics do not imply a health risk but indicate potential for pipe and fixture corrosion, which the Pentair Corrosive Water Damaging Pipes Filter helps to address effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-07-22. 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 112CHCTU aquifer (Lafayette Parish): 113 results from 31 wells, median 6.7 standard units, range 5.5-8.3 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 38 of 113 sampled results fell below 6.5