Fleck Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System

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How do acid and hardness enter groundwater in the Palm Beach County region?

In Palm Beach County, acid and hardness originate naturally in the 110SAQS aquifer, the primary source of groundwater for residential wells. Acidic conditions, indicated by pH values below neutrality, result from the dissolution of carbon dioxide and organic materials as water passes through soil and rock layers. Hardness arises chiefly from dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals present in the aquifer. Both constituents reflect geological and environmental factors unique to this Floridian area.

What should I record before consulting anyone about treating acid and hardness?

Before seeking treatment advice, note details such as the depth of your well, the age and type of your plumbing system, and any recent water quality test results from a certified laboratory. Specifically, request a comprehensive water analysis that includes pH and hardness levels from your specific water source—this information is essential since area data cannot substitute for individual testing.

How do plumbing materials and their age affect acid and hardness separately from source water?

Plumbing materials and their condition impact how water interacts with your household system, potentially influencing signs of acid and hardness. Older or metallic pipes may react with acidic water, sometimes causing staining or corrosion effects that amplify discomfort. Conversely, plastics and newer components may resist these interactions better but do not eliminate the underlying water quality issues related to acid and hardness.

What distinguishes acid and hardness from the two most often confused water problems?

Acid and hardness are chemically distinct from problems such as iron staining or manganese discoloration. Acid relates to the pH level—a measure of water’s acidity or alkalinity—while hardness concerns dissolved mineral content affecting scaling and soap efficiency. Unlike iron or manganese, acid and hardness don't necessarily cause rust-colored stains or strong tastes but can affect plumbing longevity and appliance performance differently.

What does the measured pH range mean compared to federal standards, and what does it not signify?

Government sampling in Palm Beach County’s aquifer 110SAQS found pH values ranging from 5.4 to 7.7 standard units with a median of 6.8, based on 64 results from 32 wells between 2011 and 2016. The U.S. EPA sets a secondary aesthetic standard for pH between 6.5 and 8.5; 17 of these samples were below 6.5, indicating mildly acidic water common in this area. Importantly, this is not a health-based limit but a guideline related to taste, staining, and corrosivity. Therefore, detection of pH below 6.5 does not mean your water is unsafe or in violation of any regulation.

What should I not conclude from this area-wide water data?

Area sampling provides useful context but does not reveal the exact conditions of your home water supply. A detection of acidic or hard water in regional wells does not confirm these conditions in your own well. To understand your household water, testing of your specific source is necessary. Once you have your individual results, technologies like the Fleck Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System—designed with a capacity of 32,000 grains—can be purchased ready to configure for effective treatment addressing both acid and hardness.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-08-22. 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 pH in the 110SAQS aquifer (Palm Beach County): 64 results from 32 wells, median 6.8 standard units, range 5.4-7.7 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 17 of 64 sampled results fell below 6.5