How the Documented Treatment Technology Removes or Neutralizes Iron Bacteria
Iron bacteria thrive in groundwater systems where iron is naturally present. These bacteria can form slimy deposits that clog pipes and damage water-using appliances. The documented technology designed to address this issue is the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter. This system uses specialized media and treatment processes to reduce the presence of iron bacteria and their associated slime. By targeting iron bacteria directly, the system helps restore water clarity and protect household plumbing and fixtures, offering a practical solution when previous equipment fails to manage the problem effectively.
What 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in Douglas County's 100VLFL aquifer, collecting 37 iron measurements between 2010 and 2025 from three wells at depths ranging from 140 to 510 feet. In this dataset, iron was detected in every sample, indicating its consistent presence in the aquifer. The median iron concentration was 37.5 micrograms per liter (µg/L), representing the midpoint concentration value across all samples. The range of iron levels varied from a low of 4.7 µg/L to a high of 261.0 µg/L, reflecting natural variability within the aquifer. Detection alone does not indicate an exceedance of federal standards; these iron levels remain below any federal health-based limits.
A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range as a Homeowner Would
If you live in Douglas County and rely on groundwater from a well drawing from this aquifer, understand that the local water typically contains some iron, as confirmed by government sampling. The median value of 37.5 µg/L suggests that half of the local measurements recorded iron at or below this level, while the highest measurement of 261.0 µg/L shows iron can fluctuate significantly. While iron presence can cause staining and slime buildup, it is not inherently unsafe. To know your home's specific water composition, individual testing of your well water is necessary. This information will guide appropriate treatment choices tailored to your home's water quality.
What Distinguishes This Problem from the Two Problems Most Often Confused with It
Iron bacteria issues often get confused with two other common water problems: dissolved iron without bacterial activity and manganese-related staining or slime. Dissolved iron can cause discoloration but does not form the bacterial slimy growth characteristic of iron bacteria. Manganese, another naturally occurring mineral, can produce similar aesthetic effects but requires different treatment methods. Recognizing iron bacteria specifically involves identifying the slimy deposits and understanding that these bacteria feed on iron, contributing to pipe clogging and rust-like fouling, unlike simple iron presence or manganese issues.
How Sample Depth, Well Depth, or Source Type Changes What a Reader Should Expect
The sampled wells in this government record range in depth from 140 to 510 feet, reflecting groundwater conditions at various aquifer levels. Well depth can influence iron concentrations and the presence of iron bacteria because different aquifer zones have different geochemical environments. Shallow wells may experience different iron and bacterial conditions compared to deeper wells. Additionally, the source type—whether a private well or a municipal supply drawing from the aquifer—affects water quality characteristics. Therefore, homeowners should consider these factors and seek specific testing for their well's depth and location to better judge their individual water condition.
These iron measurements represent sampling from Douglas County's 100VLFL aquifer, documented by the U.S. Geological Survey, covering multiple wells and years. For detailed records and updates, consult the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring location at: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/390055119421902/.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-12-09. 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 Iron in the 100VLFL aquifer (Douglas County): 37 results from 3 wells, median 37.5 ug/L, range 4.7-261.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold