Myth: Acid and Hardness are the Same as Iron or Other Common Well Water Issues
Many people confuse acid and hardness with iron or other mineral problems, but they are distinct. Acid in water refers to low pH conditions, which can cause corrosion, while hardness involves dissolved calcium and magnesium, making soap less effective and causing scaling. Sherburne County’s aquifer 112GSSG has documented hardness, but this is separate from iron or other metals, which are not addressed here.
Myth: Cloudy or Discolored Water Always Means Acid or Hardness Problems
Household symptoms like cloudy or rusty water often point to different issues, such as sediment or iron presence. Acid and hardness typically cause less visible symptoms initially but may show up as soap scum buildup, reduced soap lather, or scale deposits on fixtures. Recognizing these early signs can help identify if acid and hardness treatment is needed.
Myth: All Household Fixtures and Appliances Are Equally Affected by Acid and Hardness
Fixtures and appliances exposed to hot water, like water heaters and dishwashers, tend to show symptoms first. Hardness causes scale inside these appliances, reducing efficiency and lifespan, while acid water may corrode metal parts. Faucets and sinks may develop staining or buildup, but water-using appliances generally experience the earliest impact.
Myth: Government Water Data Represents a Large Number of Samples, So the Figures Are Highly Precise
The hardness figures for Sherburne County’s aquifer 112GSSG come from 8 samples taken from 8 wells, sampled between May and August 2018, at depths of 19 to 46 feet. While this sample size provides useful area-level data, it is not a direct test of any single household’s well, so individual testing is necessary to know exact water conditions.
Myth: Water Hardness Remains Constant Throughout the Year in Sherburne County
The USGS data covers a sampling period of 4 months in 2018, showing hardness ranging from 271 to 440 mg/L, with a median of 327 mg/L. This indicates some variation within the aquifer during that time. Longer-term or seasonal variations are not documented here, so homeowners should consider multiple tests over time to understand their water’s true hardness and acidity profile.
Myth: Treatment Capacity Should Just Match Reported Water Hardness With No Additional Margin
When selecting a system like the Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System, which has a capacity of 32,000 grains, you should consider your household’s daily water use along with hardness levels. Estimating demand helps ensure the system’s capacity aligns with actual conditions, allowing for effective treatment without frequent regeneration or overload.
This summary is based on 8 samples collected from 8 wells in Sherburne County’s aquifer 112GSSG, reported by the U.S. Geological Survey from May to August 2018. Individual household water conditions require specific testing. More details are available at the USGS groundwater monitoring location 452408093553002.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-08-27. 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 Hardness, Ca, Mg in the 112GSSG aquifer (Sherburne County): 8 results from 8 wells, median 327.0 mg/L, range 271.0-440.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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