Household Symptoms Related to Corrosive Water
Visible Signs on Pipes or Fixtures
Look for unusual staining, corrosion, or premature wear on plumbing components. These can sometimes suggest acidic water that may be corrosive.
Absence of Health Symptoms
The presence of corrosive water is not linked to health issues, so symptoms like illness or taste changes alone do not confirm corrosivity.
Non-Indicative Factors
Water clarity and hardness levels generally do not indicate corrosivity; these characteristics involve different water qualities.
Extent and Scope of Government Sampling in Navajo County Aquifer 220NAVJ
Sample Size and Wells Tested
The data is based on 82 pH measurements collected from 14 wells located in Navajo County's aquifer 220NAVJ between 2010 and 2019.
Well Depths Covered
Tested wells range in depth from 554 to 3,737 feet, representing various locations within the aquifer.
Implications of Sample Size
This number of samples and wells provides a broad regional snapshot but does not specify conditions at any single household well.
Interpreting the Median and Range of Regional pH Measurements
Understanding the Median pH of 9.1
A median pH above 9 suggests that water in many wells tends toward alkaline rather than acidic conditions in this area.
Considering the pH Range from 6.4 to 10.0
The spread shows variation with at least one sample below the EPA’s secondary pH lower bound of 6.5, indicating occasional mildly acidic water in the area.
What This Range Means for Homeowners
Your home water could fall anywhere in this range, so local data alone cannot determine your specific water's corrosivity.
Comparing the Measured pH Range Against EPA Secondary Standards
EPA pH Secondary Standard Scope
The EPA's secondary standard for pH, set between 6.5 and 8.5, focuses on water aesthetics and corrosion potential, not human health effects.
One Sample Below 6.5 Does Not Indicate a Violation
Having a single sample below the secondary standard is not a regulatory violation and does not mean your water is unsafe or noncompliant.
Implications of Alkaline pH Levels Above 8.5
Higher pH values may increase the potential for scaling rather than corrosion, a different water treatment consideration.
Key Information to Document Before Seeking Treatment Advice
Obtain Specific pH and Corrosivity Test Results for Your Home Water
Individual testing is essential since area data cannot reveal your household’s precise pH or corrosivity condition.
Note the Age and Type of Plumbing Materials
Accounting for your piping materials and age helps understand potential corrosion risk separate from source water chemistry.
Record Any Observable Corrosion Symptoms
Documenting visible pipe damage or staining supports informed decisions on appropriate water treatment options.
Using the regional data as a starting point, you can better assess whether corrosive water treatment is likely needed. The Autotrol Corrosive Water Damaging Pipes Filter ships ready to configure and can be an effective part of managing corrosivity when testing confirms it for your household water.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-08-23. 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 220NAVJ aquifer (Navajo County): 82 results from 14 wells, median 9.1 standard units, range 6.4-10.0 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 1 of 82 sampled results fell below 6.5