Fleck Heavy Metals Filter

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If your water has unusual taste, stains, or residue, is it heavy metals?

Before considering heavy metals as the cause, first check for visible signs such as staining on plumbing fixtures or unusual taste or odor. These could also result from other water quality issues. If you suspect metals but can rule out visible signs of iron or manganese, a more specific concern is selenium, a heavy metal analyzed by government studies in Richmond County.

If you are unsure whether selenium or other metals are present in your well or tap water, what steps should you take?

Start with a professional water test that measures selenium and other heavy metals relevant to local geology. The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 13 wells from 100 to 455 feet deep in Richmond County’s 211MDVL aquifer between 2010 and 2025, detecting selenium in 58 of 101 results at levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.91 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with a median of 0.07 µg/L. Importantly, none of these samples exceeded federal health-based thresholds. Your own water may vary significantly, so testing is necessary to determine your specific situation.

If only certain fixtures or appliances show staining or performance issues, what does that indicate?

Heavy metals like selenium tend to cause problems first at points where water stands or is heated, such as in water heaters or on faucets. Staining or buildup in these areas can point to metal presence even if overall water taste is unaffected. Local water chemistry and plumbing materials also influence where effects appear.

If government sampling shows selenium detected, what do ‘detected,’ ‘median,’ and ‘range’ mean for interpreting your water quality?

“Detected” means instruments measured selenium at or above the reporting limit in the sample, but this does not imply a violation or unsafe condition. The “median” of 0.07 µg/L represents the middle value among detected samples, showing typical levels found locally. The “range” indicates the lowest and highest detected values (0.03 to 0.91 µg/L), demonstrating variability across sampled wells. These data describe area results, not your well specifically.

If selenium concentrations are below federal health limits, why might aesthetic guidelines still matter?

Aesthetic secondary standards address how metals affect taste, staining, and corrosion rather than health risks. Although Richmond County selenium levels in sampled wells are well below health thresholds, concentrations near or above aesthetic guidelines might contribute to discoloration or taste issues. Recognizing the difference prevents misinterpretation of safe conditions as problematic or vice versa.

If preparing to seek treatment advice, what information should you record about your water and its context?

• Results of laboratory testing for selenium and other heavy metals specific to your water source
• Well depth and construction details
• Signs observed such as staining, taste changes, or appliance performance issues
• History of water quality changes or treatments tried

Having this information helps tailor suitable treatment recommendations to your actual water characteristics.

When selenium or other heavy metals are found at concentrations relevant to your water use concerns, the Fleck Heavy Metals Filter ships ready to configure with systems targeting such metals. This product provides a documented approach to improving water quality based on measured demand levels, ensuring treatment matches your specific situation.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-07-10. 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 Selenium in the 211MDVL aquifer (Richmond County): 101 results from 13 wells, median 0.07 ug/L, range 0.03-0.91 ug/L; none above any federal threshold