What 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Show in Lancaster County's Iron Sampling
Government sampling of groundwater in Lancaster County's N100GLCIAL aquifer measured iron in 79 samples from 21 wells, collected between mid-2010 and late 2011. Iron was detected in 58 samples and reported below the detection limit in 21. The median iron concentration was 160.0 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a range spanning from 10.0 to 9750.0 ug/L. These numbers describe area-wide groundwater conditions, not the water from any one household well.
Detected means the measurement instrument found some iron present, but does not by itself indicate a problem or exceed any legal or health limit. Median reflects the middle value when all measurements are ordered, helping convey a typical concentration found. The range shows the lowest and highest recorded values, highlighting variability within the area.
How Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Sampling Record
The sampling timeframe was from June 30, 2010, through October 12, 2011. This period captures over a year of data, which may include seasonal changes affecting iron levels. For example, water table fluctuations or varying oxygen conditions in the aquifer can cause iron concentrations to rise or fall over months or seasons.
Because the samples come from multiple wells at depths ranging from 15 to 320 feet, temporal and well-depth factors contribute to the observed range. However, the data does not track any individual well continuously, so direct seasonal trends for a single household well cannot be inferred from this area aggregate.
Which Household Fixtures and Appliances Are Affected by Iron Bacteria First and Why
Iron bacteria can cause slime buildup and staining that often become noticeable initially in cold water plumbing, such as laundry faucets or outdoor spigots. These fixtures may develop slimy deposits or reddish-brown stains from iron-oxidizing bacteria reacting with iron in water.
Household appliances exposed to untreated water like dishwashers or water heaters can also show early effects, including reduced efficiency or discoloration. Areas where water stagnates, or flow is slower, are most prone to accumulation of iron bacteria.
Distinguishing Iron Bacteria Issues from Other Commonly Confused Water Concerns
Iron bacteria presence should not be confused with simple dissolved iron, rust particles, or other minerals that cause staining or taste issues. Unlike dissolved iron alone, iron bacteria form biofilms and slime that can clog pipes and cause unpleasant textures.
Additionally, iron bacteria differ from manganese impacts and from aesthetic water quality problems unrelated to bacteria. For example, iron bacteria do not cause health-based violations; the U.S. Geological Survey data for Lancaster County shows no iron result exceeding federal regulatory thresholds.
How the C-Series Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter Addresses Iron Bacteria Effectively
The C-Series Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter specializes in targeting iron bacteria presence in residential water. It works by filtering out iron particles and disrupting the biofilm slime formed by iron bacteria, reducing staining and slime buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances.
This equipment ships ready to configure with household water lines, offering a comprehensive solution to maintaining clear, cleaner water free from iron bacteria deposits. As no single water quality measure establishes the condition of your well water, a test specific to your household water is the best way to confirm the presence and concentration of iron bacteria before choosing treatment.
Summary of the Sampling Record and How to Use This Information
The U.S. Geological Survey's sampling of 21 wells in Lancaster County's N100GLCIAL aquifer from 2010 to 2011 presents an area-wide picture of iron concentrations, with a median of 160.0 ug/L and a range from 10.0 to 9750.0 ug/L. No federal thresholds were exceeded in this data set.
This record informs homeowners about local groundwater conditions but does not replace individual well testing, which is necessary to assess your specific water. For further details, visit the U.S. Geological Survey's groundwater data site for this region.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-12. 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 N100GLCIAL aquifer (Lancaster County): 79 results from 21 wells, median 160.0 ug/L, range 10.0-9750.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold