Interpreting Detected, Median, and Range in McHenry County's USGS Sampling

Detected means iron was measured in all six sampled wells.

USGS samples from six wells in McHenry County's aquifer showed iron detected in each, with no results below the reporting limit.

Median represents the middle concentration of the six results, 1845 micrograms per liter (ug/L).

This median value summarizes the typical iron concentration found in the sampled area wells between 49 and 400 feet deep, from samples taken December 2014 to April 2015.

Range shows the lowest and highest iron levels measured: 432 ug/L to 3160 ug/L.

This variability indicates iron concentrations differ significantly between wells within the same aquifer.

How the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter Addresses Iron Bacteria

It targets iron bacteria and associated slime build-up through mechanical filtration.

The Autotrol System traps particulate iron bacteria and slime, preventing accumulation in household plumbing.

It improves water clarity and reduces staining in fixtures.

By removing iron bacteria, this filter helps avoid visible red or brown stains caused by iron deposits.

Ships ready to configure for home water treatment setups.

The unit is designed for ease of use and can be integrated without specialized services.

Sources of Iron Bacteria in McHenry County Groundwater

Iron bacteria naturally occur where iron-rich groundwater contacts oxygen.

In McHenry County’s aquifer, iron is present due to natural geology and organic materials that bacteria use to grow.

Well depth affects iron bacteria presence due to oxygen availability.

Samples included wells from 49 to 400 feet deep; shallower wells often exhibit more iron bacteria growth because of higher oxygen levels.

Pumping introduces oxygen, stimulating iron bacteria proliferation.

Water movement and exposure during withdrawal can encourage iron bacteria activity within household plumbing.

Household Symptoms That Relate to Iron Bacteria

Red or brown staining on fixtures and laundry may indicate iron bacteria presence.

This staining results from iron deposits formed as iron bacteria metabolize iron in water.

Slime buildup inside pipes or on faucet screens is a common sign.

Iron bacteria create slimy biofilms that can clog plumbing components over time.

Water may have a metallic taste or discoloration, but this alone is not exclusive to iron bacteria.

Other causes can produce similar symptoms, so testing is important.

Absence of these symptoms does not rule out iron bacteria presence.

Iron bacteria sometimes exist without obvious signs; water testing is needed for confirmation.

Information to Gather Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Record any recent water tests including iron concentration and bacterial presence.

Local lab results help establish your water's specific profile beyond area sampling.

Note well depth and age to understand potential iron bacteria risks.

This contextualizes your water source characteristics in relation to regional data.

Document any observed household water symptoms or changes over time.

Describing staining, slime, or taste issues helps clarify treatment needs.

List existing whole-house or point-of-use water treatment devices.

This enables integration of new equipment with current systems.

When you have these details, consider the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter, which responds to the iron bacteria levels reflected in McHenry County’s aquifer data as measured directly in your water supply.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-04-16. 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 aquifer (McHenry County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 1845.0 ug/L, range 432.0-3160.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold