The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in Queen Anne's County, focusing on aquifer 125AQUI. From 2010 to 2014, the chloride levels in 44 wells, ranging from 95 to 405 feet deep, were measured in 276 samples. Chloride was detected in 255 results, with a median concentration of 44.7 mg/L and a range from 1.11 to 9,100 mg/L. Twenty-one results were below the reporting limit. These figures reflect the area's groundwater quality but do not describe the condition of any one well.
Belief: Nearby County Water Data Can Directly Inform Your Well Treatment Needs
Many assume that comparing water quality data from Queen Anne's County to neighboring counties will clarify the treatment required for their well. In reality, while comparison helps understand regional trends, the chloride range and median measured here do not predict your well’s specific water characteristics. Variability in geology and well depth within and across counties means your water could differ significantly from these statistics.
Belief: You Can Consult Without Documenting Your Well's Chloride Level
It's a common misconception that treatment advice can be accurately given without a current test report. Before evaluating options, write down the exact chloride concentration from a certified laboratory test of your own water. This is the only way to assess if your well might benefit from treatment designed for total well water concerns, such as the C-Series Total Well Chlorination System.
Belief: A Small Number of Samples Accurately Represent Regional Water Quality
The 276 samples from 44 wells provide a broad snapshot of the aquifer’s chloride presence over four years. However, the number of wells sampled is limited relative to the number of private wells in Queen Anne’s County. Consequently, some local variations remain unaccounted for. Small sample sizes in any particular area can mean localized conditions differ substantially from the reported data.
Belief: Terms Like 'Detected' and 'Median' Indicate Water Safety or Danger
Detection of chloride means the constituent was measurable, not that the water is unsafe. The median value indicates the middle point of measured concentrations but does not define a threshold requiring treatment. The range shows variability but should not be used to infer health risks. Chloride’s secondary standard of 250 mg/L is aesthetic, related to taste and staining, not health.
Belief: The Median and Range Provide a Clear Homeowner Decision Tool
Consider a median chloride concentration of 44.7 mg/L with some wells exhibiting much higher levels up to 9,100 mg/L. If your water test shows chloride well below the secondary standard, aesthetic concerns may be minimal. If above, you might notice taste or staining issues. Treatment options like the C-Series Total Well Chlorination System, with a grain capacity of 32,000, are designed to manage such conditions effectively but require knowing your own water’s measurements.
In summary, the U.S. Geological Survey’s data from Queen Anne's County aquifer 125AQUI provides important regional context but cannot substitute for testing your well water. It shows a wide range of chloride levels affecting taste and staining but is not a measure of health risk. For tailored treatment decisions, testing your well is essential. The C-Series Total Well Chlorination System ships ready to configure and addresses concerns documented in this area. Refer to the original government source at the USGS monitoring location 385825076202901 for full details.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2014-09-26. 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 Chloride in the 125AQUI aquifer (Queen Anne's County): 276 results from 44 wells, median 44.7 mg/L, range 1.11-9100.0 mg/L; 79 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 250.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding