Understanding Your Laboratory Test Results for Iron in Water
When you receive a certified lab test for iron in your household water, it reports the concentration in micrograms per liter (ug/L). This measurement quantifies the total iron present, regardless of source or form. In Washington County, Mississippi, tests from 14 wells across the aquifer 112MRVA have shown iron detected consistently, ranging from 13.8 to 18,900 ug/L as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2010 and 2020. A result below the detection limit has not been found in this area’s records. Importantly, none of these readings exceeded federal health-based thresholds. Iron levels affect water appearance and staining but are not safety violations.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation Evident in Sampling Data
The data from the decade-long sampling indicates variability in iron concentrations over time and across wells. The sampled wells ranged in depth from 39 to 120 feet. Dates of collection spanned summer months of 2010 to 2020, suggesting that variance could reflect shifting groundwater conditions or aquifer dynamics. This variation highlights the importance of testing your own water for current conditions, as regional data alone cannot predict your household’s levels precisely.
Interpreting the Median and Range for Home Use
Using the area median of 5,050 ug/L as a reference can help homeowners estimate typical iron presence regionally. The wide range from roughly 14 to 18,900 ug/L shows that some wells have much higher iron than others. If your test yields a value near the median, you might expect moderate iron-related effects such as rust staining or water discoloration. Values at the higher end indicate stronger iron presence, potentially causing more significant aesthetic and maintenance issues.
How Iron Enters Groundwater in Washington County
Iron in the aquifer 112MRVA typically originates from natural deposits in the soil and rock formations underground. When groundwater moves through these formations, it can dissolve iron minerals, resulting in the detectable iron concentrations found by the USGS sampling. Because this is a natural geologic process, iron presence in well water is common in the region and varies with local soil composition and well depth.
Water Fixtures and Household Impact of Iron Presence
Iron in water most noticeably affects water fixtures and appliances exposed to water flow and residue buildup. Faucets, showerheads, and sinks may display rust-colored staining first. Clothes washed in high-iron water can develop rust spots, while water heaters and plumbing may experience mineral deposits affecting efficiency over time. Addressing iron can improve water appearance, reduce staining, and help preserve household equipment function.
Given the documented iron in Washington County’s aquifer, your decision centers on choosing effective treatment technology. The Pentair Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter is engineered specifically to reduce iron and associated rust staining in residential water systems. It ships ready to configure for your home system, providing a practical option for managing iron-related challenges based on your water test results.
These notes summarize USGS sampling involving 19 iron measurements from 14 wells sampled between 2010 and 2020 in Washington County’s aquifer 112MRVA. For additional details and updates, see the USGS groundwater data source directly.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2020-07-22. 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 112MRVA aquifer (Washington County): 19 results from 14 wells, median 5050.0 ug/L, range 13.8-18900.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold