Government sampling of groundwater in Fremont County aquifers, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2010 and 2011, shows that hardness levels measured as calcium and magnesium ranged from 77.8 to 325.0 mg/L with a median of 118.0 mg/L in 11 samples taken from wells between 113 and 555 feet deep. These figures reflect the local aquifer conditions but do not establish the hardness level of any individual household water supply.
If you consider the age and material of your plumbing
The buildup of scale in water heaters and your home’s plumbing is influenced not only by water hardness but also by the type and condition of pipes and water heater components. Older metal pipes and tank surfaces can accumulate mineral deposits faster, which affects the efficiency and longevity of your water heater. Materials less prone to scaling may reduce visible impacts but won’t change water hardness itself.
If you want to understand the significance of the terms 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range'
The term 'detected' means the presence of hardness minerals was measured in every sample taken from the Fremont County aquifer but is not a health or safety violation. The 'median' of 118.0 mg/L indicates the middle value in the dataset, while the 'range' from 77.8 to 325.0 mg/L shows variation across different well samples. These statistics give a regional picture rather than a precise reading for any particular well or household supply.
If you are comparing aesthetic secondary standards and health-based limits
Hardness levels are governed by secondary, aesthetic standards related to impacts like scaling, taste, and staining, not by health-based standards. The Fremont County groundwater record shows no exceedance of any federal health threshold for hardness minerals. Scale buildup affects appliance performance but does not indicate unsafe water.
If you want to consider seasonal or multi-year variations in groundwater hardness
The sampling dates span from July 2010 through September 2011, indicating that hardness levels were consistently detected over more than a year. The range of concentrations suggests some variability in mineral content across wells and time, typical for groundwater sources, but no abrupt changes or spikes were observed within this period.
If you are assessing what the measured range means relative to federal standards
While the range of 77.8 to 325.0 mg/L in hardness does not exceed any federal health threshold, it signals the potential for scale deposits in water heaters and plumbing fixtures. This scale can reduce heating efficiency and lifespan but is not a health concern. Knowing this range helps households choose appropriate water treatment equipment to manage scale.
To determine your household water's hardness level definitively, you should order a laboratory hardness test of your own water supply. A result showing elevated calcium and magnesium concentrations will confirm if scale management equipment is advisable.
The Fleck Scale in the Water Heater System ships ready to configure and is designed specifically to address scale buildup caused by hardness minerals. This system helps maintain water heater efficiency and longevity, offering a practical solution for Fremont County households faced with aquifer hardness variability.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-09-26. 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 aquifer (Fremont County): 11 results from 10 wells, median 118.0 mg/L, range 77.8-325.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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