What the Measured Range Means Against Federal Standards, and What It Does Not Mean
Government sampling by the U.S. Geological Survey across seven wells in Union Parish’s aquifer 124SPRT recorded hardness levels from 1.25 to 41.9 mg/L, with a median of 5.56 mg/L. None of these results exceeded any federal thresholds. This data covers wells 350 to 725 feet deep but does not define the hardness or iron concentration of any individual household’s water supply. The readings indicate the presence of hardness but do not imply any health risk or regulatory violation. Hardness at detected concentrations primarily affects water properties such as scale formation rather than safety.
Which Fixtures, Appliances or Processes Are Affected First and Why
Hardness and iron in water tend to impact household plumbing and appliances differently depending on their usage and exposure. Appliances like water heaters and dishwashers may show scale buildup sooner in waters with higher hardness, potentially reducing efficiency. Iron presence can cause staining on fixtures and laundry if present in higher amounts. Faucets and showerheads may also experience deposits affecting flow over time. Understanding these typical impacts helps homeowners prioritize where to monitor performance or maintenance.
What 'Detected', 'Median' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
In the USGS sampling results for Union Parish:
- Detected means the instruments measured hardness in every sample taken from seven wells within the aquifer. It does not mean a problem exists in all or any homes directly.
- Median represents the middle value of the 23 samples collected between 2010 and 2012, providing a central tendency of hardness levels in this aquifer.
- Range indicates the lowest and highest hardness values found, showing variability between wells and sampling dates.
A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range as a Homeowner Would
Imagine a homeowner in Union Parish examining this data. The median hardness of 5.56 mg/L suggests typical water from the aquifer includes some hardness. However, the range extending to 41.9 mg/L suggests occasional higher hardness may be present in some locations or depths. Without testing their own tap water, the homeowner cannot know their precise hardness or iron levels. A professional water analysis specific to the household source is needed for accurate determination and treatment decisions.
What Distinguishes This Problem from the Two Problems Most Often Confused With It
Hardness and iron problems are sometimes confused with sediment or microbial contamination. Sediment causes cloudiness or grit but is unrelated to dissolved minerals forming hardness. Microbial issues involve biological contamination requiring different testing and treatment. Iron and hardness primarily concern mineral content affecting scale and staining, not biological safety. Recognizing these distinctions helps homeowners choose appropriate solutions.
These water quality results derive from government groundwater testing in Union Parish aquifer 124SPRT intended to represent area conditions from multiple depths and wells, not individual household water. For detailed source-specific information consult the U.S. Geological Survey data directly.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2012-09-27. 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 Hardness, Ca, Mg in the 124SPRT aquifer (Union Parish): 23 results from 7 wells, median 5.56 mg/L, range 1.25-41.9 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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