This week, many households in Navajo County are deciding between two main technical approaches to manage total well water treatment effectively. Understanding how these approaches interact with local groundwater characteristics can help make a sound choice.
Common belief: Treatment systems only filter visible impurities
The record shows treatment technologies like the Fleck Total Well Chlorination System do more than just filter physical particles; they neutralize constituents such as iron through oxidation and removal processes. This system offers a 32,000 grain capacity and uses controlled chlorination steps that address dissolved substances not easily removed by simple filtration. Hence, what might appear as a basic filter actually involves chemical treatment methods targeting specific well water components.
Common belief: Iron concentrations in water come from surface runoff or distribution pipes
Government sampling in Navajo County’s aquifer 220NAVJ indicates iron presence arises from natural groundwater mineral content rather than surface runoff or municipal pipe corrosion. Data from 14 wells sampled between June 2010 and August 2019 at depths ranging from 554 to 3,737 feet reveal iron detected in 18 of 40 results, with a median concentration of 7.75 micrograms per liter and a range from 4.3 to 30.6 micrograms per liter. No federal health-based threshold was exceeded. Therefore, localized mineral dissolution is the likely source, which influences treatment approach.
Common belief: Iron levels are stable year-round with no variations
Recorded measurements over nearly a decade show some variation ranging from a low of 4.3 to a high of 30.6 micrograms per liter in the groundwater samples. This suggests seasonal or multi-year fluctuations can occur, likely due to changes in aquifer conditions and hydrological factors. Relying on a single test or assumption of stability is insufficient; periodic or comprehensive assessments assist in understanding treatment needs better.
Common belief: Commercial and industrial water concerns are identical to household needs
While households generally focus on aesthetics and usability, commercial or industrial users often require more granular data regarding iron and other constituents, including continuous quality monitoring and regulatory compliance. The scale of water use and process sensitivity means they need additional testing, treatment capacity, and documentation beyond household requirements. Residential customers prioritize practical and manageable solutions suited for well depths and volume demands typical for home use.
Common belief: The first step is expensive lab testing for all potential contaminants
The logical order begins with evaluating area data and basic in-home water characteristics before committing to lab testing. Since Navajo County has comprehensive sampling records, a household can start with easy-to-perform tests for color, taste, and staining, followed by a focused test for iron concentration if concerns persist. Only then does it make sense to invest in detailed laboratory analysis. This progressive approach balances cost and information needed for proper treatment.
For households needing an effective and ready-to-configure solution for total well water in Navajo County’s aquifer 220NAVJ, the Fleck Total Well Chlorination System provides a documented approach that can handle local well water characteristics efficiently. With its substantial treatment capacity, it addresses constituent removal in a way consistent with data collected from regional groundwater samples.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-08-23. 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 220NAVJ aquifer (Navajo County): 40 results from 14 wells, median 7.75 ug/L, range 4.3-30.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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