Iron Measurements in Nemaha County Groundwater
Government record summary
U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling from August 2011 shows iron detected in half of 14 sampled wells in Nemaha County's aquifer 112DRFT, with a median iron level of 7.3 micrograms per liter and a range from 3.3 to 18.2 micrograms per liter.
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits for Iron
Iron's effect on water appearance and taste
Iron presence influences water color and may cause rust stains but does not have federal health-based limits applied in Nemaha County's aquifer according to the sample record.
Secondary standards focus
The secondary standards for iron control aesthetic factors such as discoloration and staining rather than health risks, explaining why detection itself is not a violation or safety issue.
Reading the Record's Median and Range for Home Use
Median iron concentration meaning
The median value of 7.3 µg/L represents the middle value of detected iron levels in the sampled wells, hinting at typical relative iron presence in the local groundwater but not individual well specifics.
Range interpretation
Reported iron levels vary from 3.3 to 18.2 µg/L, illustrating natural variability between wells within the same aquifer and region over the sampling period in August 2011.
The Role of Plumbing Material and Age
Interaction with iron and rust appearance
Older or certain types of plumbing materials can contribute to iron and rust appearance in household water irrespective of source water iron levels sampled in the aquifer.
Residual rust from plumbing
Rust buildup inside pipes may release particles that affect water clarity and color distinct from actual aquifer iron concentrations.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Iron Levels
Sampling timeframe
Samples were collected over a three-week span in August 2011, providing a snapshot rather than a long-term trend of iron levels in Nemaha County’s aquifer 112DRFT.
Variation significance
Iron concentrations can fluctuate seasonally or across years, but the record only reflects one sampling period, so ongoing monitoring is necessary for a full profile.
Distinguishing Iron and Rust from Other Similar Water Concerns
Not all discoloration is iron
Other substances may cause water discoloration or staining; iron and rust are specifically indicated by iron presence and typical color changes such as reddish or brownish hues.
Common confusions
Iron should not be confused with sediment, manganese, or organic material, which have different characteristics and require distinct water treatment approaches.
Understanding Certified Laboratory Test Reports for Iron
What a test report shows
Certified laboratory tests provide specific iron concentrations for a given water sample and distinguish dissolved iron from particulate forms, enabling precise assessment of treatment needs.
Importance of individual testing
Because regional data does not specify individual well conditions, homeowners should obtain a certified lab test to determine their own iron levels before choosing equipment.
What Not to Conclude from Area Data Alone
Individual well water differs
The Nemaha County sampling results reflect an area median and range, not any specific well’s iron concentration. Personal water testing is essential.
No health violations indicated
The government record shows no iron concentration above federal thresholds during sampling; detection does not imply health risk or regulatory violation.
Selecting appropriate treatment
For households facing iron and rust concerns consistent with regional findings, the C-Series Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter ships ready to configure for effective iron reduction and stain control aligned with home needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-08-25. 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 112DRFT aquifer (Nemaha County): 14 results from 14 wells, median 7.3 ug/L, range 3.3-18.2 ug/L; none above any federal threshold