The aquifer 364BGFK beneath Garland County, Arkansas, supplies groundwater that eventually reaches residential taps through wells. This aquifer is monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey, which collects data to help understand regional water quality. While public records provide insight into the water in this area, they do not directly measure individual household wells.
How do public-system records differ from private well testing in what they establish?
The U.S. Geological Survey data come from sampling of six wells in Garland County's aquifer 364BGFK, each ranging between 50 and 228 feet deep. These samples represent conditions across the aquifer but do not measure a single household’s water. Private well testing is needed to determine the specific water quality at an individual home. Public data shows detected iron concentrations but cannot establish the exact level in a particular well or tap.
How many samples and wells stand behind the Garland County iron data, and what does a small sample mean?
The iron data for Garland County’s aquifer include ten samples taken from six different wells over an eleven-year period, from August 2012 to July 2023. Iron was detected in nine of these samples, with concentrations ranging from 13.0 to 2280.0 micrograms per liter (µg/L), and the median concentration was 668.0 µg/L. While this provides a snapshot of iron presence in the aquifer, the limited number of samples and wells means it cannot reveal all local variations or seasonal fluctuations. Small sample sizes can miss rare spikes or drops, so ongoing private testing is valuable for homeowners monitoring their water.
What happens when iron bacteria is left untreated for years in household water?
Iron bacteria in water can build up over time and form sticky biofilms inside pipes and equipment. Even if existing water treatment equipment appears functional, it may struggle to keep pace with increasing iron bacteria growth. Untreated iron bacteria can cause discoloration and staining on fixtures and laundry, as well as clog plumbing screens and reduce water flow. Biofilms can also create unpleasant tastes and increase maintenance needs for appliances that use water regularly.
Which fixtures, appliances, or processes are affected first and why?
Fixtures such as faucets and showerheads often show staining first, since iron bacteria deposits concentrate in areas with exposed water surfaces. Appliances relying on clean water, like washing machines and dishwashers, may experience buildup that impairs performance or lifespan. Water heaters can accumulate biofilms that reduce heating efficiency. Areas with small or narrow water passages are especially susceptible, as iron bacteria can quickly create blockages.
How can I compare Garland County's iron bacteria record with a neighboring county's without overreading it?
Comparing Garland County's iron bacteria data with neighboring counties requires attention to differences in aquifers, sampling depths, and the number of wells sampled. Variations in geology and water usage patterns can lead to different iron levels, so context matters. Government records provide regional insights but should not be used to assume identical conditions across county lines or individual wells. Look for similar sampling scopes and timeframes before making direct comparisons.
How do sample depth, well depth, or source type change what a reader should expect for iron bacteria?
Wells sampled in Garland County range from 50 to 228 feet deep, reflecting a range of groundwater conditions. Shallower wells may encounter different iron bacteria levels than deeper ones due to variations in aquifer layers and oxygen availability. The source type—whether a confined aquifer or an unconfined one—also influences iron bacteria presence. Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations about water quality and informs decisions about appropriate treatment approaches.
In summary, the U.S. Geological Survey’s data for Garland County’s aquifer 364BGFK provide a regional perspective on detected iron concentrations from a limited number of wells and samples, with no measurement exceeding federal drinking water thresholds. For households finding their current equipment challenged by iron bacteria buildup, the Fleck Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter offers a documented water treatment system that ships ready to configure and can enhance filtration performance. For the most accurate assessment, private well testing remains essential to determine your home's specific water characteristics. More details about this government's monitoring program are available at the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-07-24. 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 364BGFK aquifer (Garland County): 10 results from 6 wells, median 668.0 ug/L, range 13.0-2280.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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