Iron and Rust in Rockingham County NH: Aquifer Bedrock Sampling Insights

1. How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means

133 Samples Across 27 Bedrock Wells

The iron data for Rockingham County's bedrock aquifer comes from 133 groundwater samples taken from 27 separate wells. These wells range in depth between 150 to 900 feet. This provides a substantial regional overview but does not represent any individual household well's water quality.

Area-Scale Data Not Individual Well Results

Because these samples cover multiple wells and years, the data reflect what might typically occur within the bedrock aquifer in this area but cannot be used to determine the iron concentration in a specific home's water supply. Individual well testing is necessary for that information.

2. What 'Detected', 'Median' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record

Iron Detected in 114 of 133 Samples

An iron measurement above the reporting limit was found in most samples. Detection means iron was measurable but does not imply any health or safety concern.

Median of 64.95 Micrograms per Liter

The median iron concentration shows the middle value among all samples. Half of the results were below and half above this figure, representing typical regional conditions.

Range from 0 to 8,530 Micrograms per Liter

Iron levels varied significantly from none detected up to 8,530 micrograms per liter, showing local differences in groundwater chemistry within the aquifer.

3. How Iron Enters Groundwater or the Distribution System in This Region

Iron Originates Naturally From Bedrock

In Rockingham County, iron dissolves into water as it moves through iron-bearing bedrock formations. The depth and mineral composition affect the amount of iron present.

Possible Impact of Plumbing Materials

While bedrock is the source, plumbing components in homes can also influence iron-related staining or rust-colored deposits, although the government data do not measure this factor.

4. A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range as a Homeowner Would

Understanding What Typical Iron Levels Mean

Seeing a median iron value around 65 micrograms per liter suggests that residents may sometimes experience mild iron-related effects like slight discoloration or metallic taste, but this depends on their specific water.

Recognizing Variability Within the Aquifer

The wide range indicates some wells have barely measurable iron, while others have much higher levels. A homeowner’s water could fall anywhere within this spectrum, so testing their own supply is important.

5. Maintenance Rhythm of the Documented Technology in Plain Terms

Autotrol Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter Handles Iron Removal

This filter system ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce iron-related staining and rust in household water. It requires periodic upkeep to maintain performance, typically involving monitoring filter capacity and replacing media according to usage.

Simple Ongoing Care Supports Consistent Water Quality

Keeping the filter system in good order helps control iron effects without complicated interventions, supporting clear, stain-free water for daily household use.

6. How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record (Dates and Ranges Given)

Data Collected from 2011 to 2019 Across Multiple Wells

The iron measurements span nearly eight years, revealing stable detection in this aquifer over time though with natural fluctuations depending on local conditions and sampling time.

Variation Reflects Natural Aquifer Changes, Not Water Quality Failures

These fluctuations show how iron concentrations can change with seasonal groundwater flow and mineral interaction but do not indicate any safety issue or contamination event.

In summary, this data set represents iron measurements from bedrock wells throughout Rockingham County, NH, over several years. Those interested can review the comprehensive records at the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater database to better understand regional groundwater quality. For managing iron-related household water concerns, the Autotrol Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter provides a documented solution to reduce visible rust stains and improve water clarity.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-08-21. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (Rockingham County): 133 results from 27 wells, median 64.95 ug/L, range 0.0-8530.0 ug/L; 2 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 0.3 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding