Ordering Tests and Checks for Your Well Water Quality
A common misunderstanding is to assume that local water quality data directly describes your own well’s water conditions. Before committing to any equipment size, start with simple, cost-effective checks such as visual inspection of water clarity and taste assessment. If these indicate potential issues, proceed to basic in-home water testing kits for total dissolved solids (TDS) or other parameters. Ultimately, a certified laboratory test of your specific well water is the definitive step to characterize concentration levels and guide accurate sizing decisions.
Interpreting 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Area Aquifer Sampling
The U.S. Geological Survey reports 11 samples from one well in aquifer 110AVTN (FIPS 180, CT) with total dissolved solids detected in all results. The median TDS concentration is 535 mg/L, with a range between 0.77 and 692 mg/L. 'Detected' means that TDS was measurable in every sample, not that this concentration applies to all wells. The median signifies the middle value of these measurements, while the range shows variability between the lowest and highest readings. These figures provide a regional context rather than an individual well’s actual condition.
Changes to Treated Water Quality at the Tap Using Dedicated Technology
When equipped with the Fleck Complete Well System, water treatment is calibrated to handle typical contaminants in your area’s aquifer samples, notably to improve aesthetic qualities related to dissolved solids. This system ships ready to configure to reduce the effects of elevated TDS that may influence taste or household staining. Treated water at the tap is expected to have improved clarity and reduced potential for scaling, although treatment outcomes depend on your specific water profile.
Applying Regional Data to Your Home: Understanding Median and Range
Considering the median TDS of 535 mg/L, a homeowner might anticipate moderately elevated dissolved solids compared to general secondary standards of 500 mg/L, which relate solely to taste and staining, not health. The range reaching as high as 692 mg/L indicates variability within the aquifer, suggesting that some wells could report higher levels. However, any individual well may also measure below or well above these values, reinforcing the need for direct testing of your own water source.
Which Household Fixtures and Processes Show Effects First?
TDS concentrations above secondary aesthetic standards typically impact water-using fixtures and appliances by causing scale buildup or staining on sinks, faucets, and glassware. Dishwashers and water heaters may experience reduced efficiency or increased maintenance needs. These effects occur before any health-related concerns and are the primary justification for sizing treatment equipment like the Fleck Complete Well System to address dissolved solids.
How Sampling and Well Characteristics Affect Water Quality Expectations
The USGS samples come from wells just 2 to 2 feet deep, typically shallow monitoring wells, which may not fully represent water quality in deeper residential wells. Deeper wells often access different water strata with varying dissolved solids concentrations. Your water quality may differ substantially based on well depth, construction, and local geology. Understanding these distinctions helps in interpreting regional data and deciding on treatment capacity.
Next Step: Test Your Well Water’s Total Dissolved Solids
Ordering a laboratory analysis that quantifies TDS in your own well water is the essential next step. A result near or above the regional median of 535 mg/L would confirm the suitability of a 32,000-grain capacity Fleck Complete Well System for addressing complete well water aesthetic issues. This test result will provide confidence in sizing and ensure the treatment system effectively meets your household’s water quality needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-02-20. 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 Total dissolved solids in the 110AVTN aquifer (FIPS 180): 11 results from 1 wells, median 535.0 mg/L, range 0.77-692.0 mg/L; 6 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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