Background on Palm Beach County Aquifer 110SAQS Water Source
The water supplying homes in Palm Beach County often comes from the local aquifer designated 110SAQS. This aquifer’s groundwater is accessed by wells that typically reach depths between 10 and 20 feet. Understanding the characteristics of this water source can help homeowners interpret odors like sulfur smell in their tap water.
Reading Sulfide Measurements in Your Area
Median and Range From Government Sampling
The U.S. Geological Survey collected 31 water samples from separate wells in Palm Beach County’s aquifer 110SAQS between February and June 2011. Every sample showed sulfide was detected, with levels ranging from 0.0 to 0.25 mg/L. The median value of sulfide across all samples was 0.04 mg/L. None of these results exceeded any federal regulatory thresholds for sulfide.
Maintenance Rhythm for the Autotrol Rotten-Egg Sulfur Smell Filter System
Regular Filter Media Refresh Cycle
The Autotrol system designed to address sulfur smell works by filtering out compounds that cause the rotten-egg odor. To keep it effective, its filter media requires periodic refreshing according to usage and water quality conditions. This refresh process helps maintain odor removal performance.
System Configuration Checks
Users should periodically verify the system’s operational settings and ensure components are functioning as intended. The unit ships ready to configure for continuous odor control.
Interpreting Terms in the USGS Sampling Record
What Does 'Detected' Mean?
'Detected' indicates that instruments measured sulfide in all 31 samples. It does not imply a health or safety violation; rather, it confirms the presence of sulfur compounds in groundwater from this aquifer.
Understanding 'Median' and 'Range'
The median is the middle value when all sulfide measurements are ordered; here, 0.04 mg/L means half the samples had more, half had less. The range from 0.0 to 0.25 mg/L shows variation among wells but not a breach of standards.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation Reflected in Sampling Dates
Date Range of Sampling
Samples span four months in early 2011. The consistent detection of sulfide across all these dates suggests a stable presence of sulfur compounds during that time frame. Homeowners should note that seasonal fluctuations may occur beyond this window, requiring their own water testing.
Difference Between Public Aquifer Records and Private Well Testing
What Area Sampling Establishes
The USGS data reflect sulfide concentrations in an area aquifer, not any single household’s water. While useful for understanding regional water characteristics, these findings do not represent the exact sulfide level in your own well or tap water.
Importance of Personal Water Testing
To determine if sulfur smell results from sulfide in your water supply, you need to conduct a specific test of your household water. This test provides the precise concentration that directly affects your water quality.
Closing Checklist Item
If your water smells of sulfur, order a water test measuring sulfide concentration from your tap or well source. A confirmed concentration above the typical range for the area may indicate the need for treatment. The Autotrol Rotten-Egg Sulfur Smell Filter is a documented solution designed to reduce these odors effectively when operated and maintained properly.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-06-16. 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 110SAQS aquifer (Palm Beach County): 31 results from 31 wells, median 0.04 mg/L, range 0.0-0.25 mg/L; none above any federal threshold