Government groundwater sampling in Harrison County's 122HBRG aquifer shows iron was detected in 15 out of 18 samples taken from 9 wells between 2010 and 2015, with levels ranging from 3.9 to 13.1 micrograms per liter. None of these results exceeded any federal thresholds.
What Does the Range of Iron Concentrations Mean Compared to Federal Standards?
The iron detected in the local aquifer wells varies between 3.9 and 13.1 micrograms per liter, with a median of 7.3 micrograms per liter. Although these measurements demonstrate iron is commonly present, all recorded levels are below federal action levels. This means the iron presence detected is not considered a violation or hazardous to health but may affect water aesthetics such as taste, staining, or bacterial growth if conditions support iron bacteria proliferation.
How Should Harrison County's Iron Bacteria Record be Compared to Neighboring Regions?
Comparing iron detection results between counties requires caution. Differences in local geology, aquifer depth, and sampling methods influence iron levels. While Harrison County's samples are from deep wells (1333 to 1860 feet), adjacent areas may have differing iron ranges due to aquifer characteristics. Such comparisons can provide context but do not establish an individual household’s water condition nor confirm the presence or absence of iron bacteria in a private well.
How Does Fleck Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter Address Iron Presence in Water?
The Fleck Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter technology targets iron bacteria and related slime buildup by removing iron and associated biological material from water before it reaches household plumbing. It operates through filtration processes that capture iron particles and bacterial byproducts, helping to reduce staining, slime, and potential pipe clogging. This system ships ready to configure for ease of home use and does not require professional setup.
What is the Difference Between Public-System Records and Private Well Testing?
Public or regional system records reflect averaged or sampled measurements from multiple locations over time and cannot substitute for a private well test. Only a certified laboratory test of a household’s own water source can accurately determine individual iron levels or the presence of iron bacteria. Public data provide useful context but not a definitive water quality profile for any one residence.
Which Household or Facility Symptoms Indicate Iron Bacteria as the Cause?
Signs commonly linked with iron bacteria include reddish or rust-colored slime buildup on plumbing fixtures, staining on sinks and toilets, and unusual slime or deposits in pipes. However, absence of these symptoms does not guarantee iron bacteria are absent, and their presence requires confirmation through water testing. Other water issues may also cause similar symptoms, so targeted testing is essential.
How Do Water Needs Change for Large Households, Second Homes, or Seasonal Properties?
Larger households often experience greater impact from iron bacteria due to higher water usage increasing slime and sediment accumulation. Seasonal or second homes with intermittent water use may face intensified bacterial growth during inactivity periods. Properly designed treatment equipment like the Fleck system can be configured to accommodate different usage patterns effectively, ensuring consistent mitigation of iron-related issues.
It is important not to assume that iron naturally present in the Harrison County aquifer equals the same concentration or bacterial conditions in your water. Testing your own water is necessary to understand your specific situation and to select appropriate treatment.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-04-28. 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 122HBRG aquifer (Harrison County): 18 results from 9 wells, median 7.3 ug/L, range 3.9-13.1 ug/L; none above any federal threshold