Government sampling from the Ingham County aquifer shows iron was detected in all 40 tested wells, ranging from 166 to 3330 micrograms per liter, with a median of 837 micrograms per liter, measured in wells between 78 and 221 feet deep. None of these samples exceeded any federal threshold. This record represents area-wide measurement and does not specify your household well water quality.
If you want to understand how treatment technology addresses metallic taste
The metallic taste sometimes noticed in household water often relates to dissolved metals like iron. The Fleck Metallic-Tasting Water Filter uses a filtration approach designed to address the presence of these metals by capturing and reducing their concentration. By doing so, it lessens the metallic flavor that can be objectionable at the tap. This filtration technology operates inline, ships ready to configure for residential use, and typically improves water taste without altering other qualities.
If you want to compare Ingham County's water data with nearby counties
When reviewing water quality data for neighboring areas, remember that such measurements reflect sampling from distinct geographic and hydrogeologic conditions. Ingham County's record represents a specific aquifer sample set and depth range. Adjacent counties may have higher or lower median iron levels, or different constituent presence altogether. Interpret comparative data cautiously, recognizing the unique groundwater environment contributing to each county's results and the period when sampling occurred.
If you want to understand the difference between aesthetic secondary standards and health-based limits
Federal water regulations include aesthetic secondary standards that relate to properties such as taste, color, and staining potential. These differ from enforceable health-based limits. For iron and other metals, the secondary standard governs concerns about taste and appearance but does not indicate a health risk at the measured levels. The presence or concentration of iron below any federal enforceable limit means no health violation is documented, though taste and appearance may be affected.
If you want to know what the measured range means compared to federal standards
The iron concentrations reported in Ingham County groundwater sampling fall below any federal health-based enforceable limits. This means that while iron is detectable everywhere sampled and can affect taste and appearance, it is not found at levels requiring regulatory action. The range from 166 to 3330 micrograms per liter, with a median around 837 micrograms per liter, points to natural variation across the aquifer. This variation may influence water aesthetics differently within the area but does not imply health-based concerns.
If you want to understand terms like 'detected', 'median', and 'range' in the sampling record
'Detected' means that the metal was measured by laboratory instruments in all sampled wells. 'Median' refers to the middle value when all sample concentrations are arranged in order, showing a typical concentration in the area aquifer. 'Range' shows the spread of values found from the lowest to the highest concentrations. These terms describe what was found in area-wide testing but do not replace testing your own well water for exact levels.
If you want to consider how seasonal or multi-year variation appears in this data set
The sampling in Ingham County occurred between October 2015 and August 2016, covering different seasons across nearly one year. The consistency of detection in all samples and the range of concentrations suggest that iron presence is a stable feature of this aquifer, though some year-to-year or seasonal shifts could occur outside this timeframe. Regular testing of household water is recommended to track any changes specific to your source.
In summary, this page has reviewed how the area aquifer’s iron levels may relate to metallic taste in household water, how the Fleck Metallic-Tasting Water Filter can reduce taste issues, and the meaning of government sampling data for Ingham County. Careful interpretation of these points clarifies your decision path toward choosing appropriate water treatment for your home.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-08-23. 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 aquifer (Ingham County): 40 results from 40 wells, median 837.0 ug/L, range 166.0-3330.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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