Water in Kankakee County comes primarily from the 110QRNR aquifer, a shallow groundwater source from which local wells draw. This groundwater travels through soil and rock before reaching household taps, carrying with it dissolved substances that can affect taste, odor, and water quality.
How many samples and wells support understanding sulfide levels in this aquifer?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected seven samples from seven separate wells in Kankakee County's 110QRNR aquifer between June and July of 2012. These wells ranged in depth from 12 to 23 feet. While the dataset is limited in size, it provides an initial indication of sulfide presence in this area of the aquifer. However, the small number of samples means localized variations or changes over time may not be fully represented.
Does sulfide concentration in this aquifer show seasonal or year-to-year variation?
The samples were all collected within a two-month window during early summer of 2012, so longer-term or seasonal trends cannot be derived directly from this dataset. To understand if sulfide levels fluctuate with seasons or over years, repeated sampling at different times or during varying conditions would be necessary.
What does a certified laboratory test measure for sulfide, and how should it be interpreted?
A certified lab test reports dissolved sulfide levels in milligrams per liter (mg/L). For the seven samples here, sulfide was detected in all, ranging from 0.0 to 0.006 mg/L, with a median of 0.001 mg/L. Detection means the substance was measured above the laboratory reporting threshold; it is not a health violation or indicator of safety concern on its own. Understanding these results requires noting that no federal threshold was exceeded in these samples.
What distinguishes sulfur smell from other common water issues?
The sulfur or "rotten-egg" odor in water is caused mainly by dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas, which can be confused with other odors such as chlorine or organic decay. Unlike iron or manganese staining, sulfur smell is an odor issue rather than a visible deposit. Recognizing the presence of sulfide is key to addressing this distinct odor.
How can comparisions with nearby counties’ records be made without overinterpreting data?
Comparing sulfide levels between Kankakee County and nearby counties can provide context on regional groundwater quality. However, differences in sample size, well depth, and timing require cautious interpretation. Variations may reflect natural geochemical conditions or sampling methods rather than a change in water safety or quality that applies to every well.
How would a homeowner read the median and range values provided here?
The median sulfide concentration of 0.001 mg/L suggests that half of the sampled wells had levels below this value and half above but still within the low range detected. The maximum measurement was 0.006 mg/L, all well below any federal health thresholds. This means some level of sulfide is commonly present in this shallow aquifer, which may cause noticeable odor but does not alone indicate water safety issues.
What should you not conclude from these area data?
Importantly, these government sampling results are for area wells, not your personal well. Your own water must be tested individually to confirm its sulfide concentration and odor characteristics. Detection in area samples is not a violation or a health risk by itself. If sulfur smell is present, technologies such as the Fleck Rotten-Egg Sulfur Smell Filter system, which ships ready to configure, can help reduce odor effectively. These systems use proven methods to target dissolved sulfides and improve household water quality according to your specific test results.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2012-07-31. 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 Sulfide in the 110QRNR aquifer (Kankakee County): 7 results from 7 wells, median 0.001 mg/L, range 0.0-0.006 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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