Samples and Wells Behind Iron Data in Camden County
Number of Samples and Wells
Government monitoring from the U.S. Geological Survey sampled iron in groundwater from 18 deep wells (118 to 1505 feet) in Camden County's aquifer 211MRPAL, collecting 46 results over 2011 to 2025.
Implications of Sample Size and Scope
While these area samples provide a clear pattern of iron presence in the aquifer, the dataset does not represent any single well's exact condition. Individual well testing is necessary to confirm household water characteristics.
Interpreting Certified Lab Tests for Iron
What a Lab Test Reports
A certified lab test for iron reports the concentration in micrograms per liter, reflecting dissolved or particulate iron measured in your water.
Understanding the Values
Area median iron concentrations in Camden County wells were about 5140 ug/L, with values ranging from 9.6 to 22,700 ug/L. Detection of iron alone is not a health violation. None of the area results exceeded any federal threshold for iron.
Influence of Plumbing Material and Age
Separating Source Iron from Plumbing Effects
Iron levels in water may be influenced by well or aquifer sources or by corrosion of older plumbing materials. Plumbing age and type can contribute iron particles or affect water appearance independently from groundwater iron content.
What To Observe in Your Home
Iron bacteria can create slime and staining in plumbing systems but plumbing condition varies widely. Testing water before and after internal plumbing fixtures helps isolate source water characteristics from plumbing influence.
Household Signs That Suggest Iron Bacteria
Symptoms Often Related to Iron Bacteria
- Rust-colored staining on fixtures or laundry
- Slime deposits in pipes or low water flow areas
- Water that appears cloudy or reddish
Signs Not Directly Indicating Iron Bacteria
- Water taste or clarity issues from other causes
- Faucet or fixture malfunctions unrelated to deposits
How Iron Bacteria Enters Groundwater in Camden County
Natural Aquifer Sources
Iron bacteria grow by feeding on dissolved iron common naturally in Camden County's aquifer 211MRPAL. Their presence is linked to subsurface geology and groundwater conditions rather than surface contamination.
Role of Groundwater Flow and Well Depth
Sampling of wells from 118 to 1505 feet deep shows iron bacteria can occur across various depths, influenced by local hydrogeology.
Public-System Records Versus Private Well Testing
What Public Records Show
Area-wide public groundwater sampling reveals iron is commonly detected but below health-based thresholds in Camden County's aquifer 211MRPAL.
Why Private Well Testing Is Essential
Because iron levels vary by well, private testing offers a definitive measure for your household water. Public data cannot substitute for individual well analysis.
Conclusion: What Area Data Does Not Show
Camden County aquifer sampling confirms iron presence but does not indicate that any specific well is at a problematic concentration or that water is unsafe. To understand your household water quality and choose equipment suited to your iron bacteria concerns, obtain a certified lab test for your well water. The Pentair Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter ships ready to configure and offers a documented solution for managing iron bacteria impacts once your water characteristics are confirmed.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-07-28. 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 Iron in the 211MRPAL aquifer (Camden County): 46 results from 18 wells, median 5140.0 ug/L, range 9.6-22700.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold