Iron Bacteria in Plymouth County: Deciding Treatment Based on Iron Range in Aquifer 112SRFD

Government sampling by the U.S. Geological Survey in Plymouth County’s aquifer 112SRFD shows iron detected in 23 out of 35 groundwater samples collected from 17 wells between 2010 and 2019, with concentrations ranging from 3.8 to 61,700 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and a median of 20.4 µg/L. None of these measurements exceeded federal standards for iron.

If you want to know how the treated water differs at your tap with the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter

The Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter works by reducing iron bacteria and slime that can cause staining, deposits, and clogging in your home’s water system. When in operation, it helps improve water clarity and reduces visible effects of iron bacteria. The filtered water can lead to fewer stains on fixtures and less buildup in pipes, improving the general appearance and flow of water you use daily. This system ships ready to configure for residential use and addresses iron bacteria specifically, helping households manage these challenges caused by naturally occurring iron bacteria in groundwater.

If you want to understand what the iron range means in relation to federal standards and what it does not establish

The government record from Plymouth County shows iron concentrations well below any federal health-based limits. The presence of iron in groundwater—even at higher measurements—does not indicate a health violation or unsafe condition. Iron is a naturally occurring element and an aesthetic secondary standard concerns taste, staining, and corrosion potential but is not a safety threshold. Detection means measurement occurred, but each household’s well water can differ significantly. Only testing your own water can establish the specific levels you deal with.

If you want to consider how plumbing material and the age of your home's piping affect iron bacteria presence

The amount of iron bacteria and slime you experience inside your home depends not only on source water but also on your plumbing. Older pipes and certain materials can encourage iron bacteria growth and accumulation, independent of iron levels in the aquifer. The Autotrol System reduces slime buildup within your plumbing system regardless of pipe age or material, helping to maintain cleaner interior surfaces and delays clogging or staining issues that iron bacteria cause.

If you want to understand seasonal or multi-year variation in iron concentrations recorded in Plymouth County

The 35 samples cover nearly a decade, from June 2010 through September 2019, showing iron fluctuations over time from as low as 3.8 µg/L to as high as 61,700 µg/L in the aquifer. This variation indicates that iron concentrations can change with seasonal conditions or other hydrogeological factors. Therefore, a well tested once may not represent all seasonal conditions. Regular testing helps track any shifts that might influence your water quality and treatment needs.

If you want to know what household symptoms indicate iron bacteria and which do not

Typical signs of iron bacteria include reddish-brown staining on sinks, tubs, or laundry, slimy residues in plumbing, and occasional clogging of fixtures or filters. However, the absence of these symptoms does not guarantee the absence of iron bacteria, and symptoms alone cannot quantify iron levels. Some staining or slime could be due to other mineral or biological factors. Testing your water and considering the presence of these indicators together supports a clearer decision about treatment.

In summary, Plymouth County's aquifer 112SRFD shows a broad iron range, none exceeding federal limits. Deciding treatment involves assessing your water’s specific iron bacteria impact and household plumbing conditions to determine if a system like the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter suits your needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-09-05. 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 112SRFD aquifer (Plymouth County): 35 results from 17 wells, median 20.4 ug/L, range 3.8-61700.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold