What 'detected', 'median' and 'range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
Government sampling from wells in Bernalillo County's 112SNTFU aquifer reports copper levels based on 220 results from 16 wells over nearly seven years. In this dataset, 'detected' means copper was measured above the reporting limit in 81 samples, while 139 samples showed copper below this threshold. The 'median' copper concentration is 0.66 micrograms per liter (ug/L), which is the midpoint value, with half the detections falling below and half above. The 'range' from 0.22 to 3.4 ug/L reflects the lowest and highest copper concentrations measured across all samples. Detecting copper does not imply a regulation violation or health risk; it only reveals that copper was present and quantifiable in these area wells.
How Sample Depth, Well Depth or Source Type Changes What a Reader Should Expect
The wells sampled varied in depth between 100 and 1630 feet. Depth influences copper concentration due to geological layers and interactions underground. Deeper wells may encounter different mineral compositions affecting copper presence compared to shallower ones. Because these data come from a range of depths and well constructions, they represent general conditions in this aquifer rather than any individual household's water. Private wells might differ significantly from the documented range depending on their depth and location within Bernalillo County.
How Public-System Records Differ from Private-Well Testing in What They Establish
Public water systems regularly test for copper and other constituents to meet regulatory standards, providing confidence in treated tap water safety. However, the USGS data here derive from private, monitored groundwater wells and do not reflect treated municipal water quality. Public system records typically show compliance with health-based copper criteria, while private wells require individual testing to determine their specific water quality. This distinction is important; the area statistics cannot predict quality at any single residence.
How the Treated Water Differs at the Tap Once the Documented Technology Is in Place
Water treatment using the Pentair Heavy Metals Filter addresses copper along with other heavy metals detected in well water. This system ships ready to configure and can be added to household plumbing to reduce dissolved copper, helping to improve water aesthetics and protect plumbing. Treated water therefore typically contains lower concentrations of copper compared to untreated groundwater. This technology is designed to help households manage heavy metals without relying on external treatment services.
What a Certified Laboratory Test for This Constituent Reports and How to Read It
A certified laboratory test for copper in water provides a detailed report indicating concentration in micrograms per liter or parts per billion. It states whether copper is detected above laboratory reporting limits, quantifies the level found, and compares results to applicable standards or guidelines. Homeowners should use these results to understand their specific water conditions, as area sampling cannot substitute for individual well testing. Interpreting the test involves recognizing that detections within reported ranges may not indicate a violation but rather presence detectable by modern instruments.
In summary, USGS groundwater sampling in Bernalillo County's 112SNTFU aquifer shows copper detected in some wells at levels below any federal health-based thresholds. This data covers a variety of depths and wells but does not determine water quality at individual homes. For personalized information, private well owners should obtain certified laboratory testing. The Pentair Heavy Metals Filter offers a practical solution to reduce heavy metals like copper at the tap. More details on the sampling can be found at the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater data portal.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2020-01-09. 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 Copper in the 112SNTFU aquifer (Bernalillo County): 220 results from 16 wells, median 0.66 ug/L, range 0.22-3.4 ug/L; none above any federal threshold