What does government sampling tell me about arsenic in Livingston County’s aquifer 112OTSH?
The U.S. Geological Survey has sampled groundwater from wells in Livingston County tapping aquifer 112OTSH. Eleven results from nine wells collected between late 2010 and mid-2016 found arsenic concentrations ranging from 0.13 to 4.8 micrograms per liter, with a median of 0.24 micrograms per liter. All samples were below federal arsenic thresholds, indicating no area-wide exceedance in this aquifer during that time.
How do sample depth and well type affect what I should expect for arsenic in my water?
The sampled wells were between 15 and 68 feet deep, a modest depth range. Arsenic levels can vary with well depth and geology, so shallower or deeper wells might show different concentrations. Private household wells can be shallower or deeper than the sampled range, so local variability means your water might differ from the USGS sampling data.
Do residential households have different arsenic testing concerns than commercial or industrial users?
Commercial or industrial water users often require continuous monitoring and must consider peak arsenic concentrations and regulatory compliance for large volumes. Households generally focus on health implications and personal consumption. Therefore, residential users prioritize a reliable test of their own well water over broad area data to understand safe drinking levels.
What initial steps should I take to understand arsenic presence before considering treatment?
Start with a basic water quality test from a state-certified laboratory that includes arsenic concentration. This test is lower cost than repeated or specialized assays. Comparing your result to the government data can indicate whether your well falls within typical local ranges or requires further assessment.
How can I estimate treatment needs based on household water use versus capacity?
Once arsenic presence and concentration in your water are established, consider the volume of water your household uses daily. Treatment systems like the Fleck Arsenic Filter ship ready to configure and can be selected to match typical home demand. Confirm product capacity aligns with your household's average and peak water use to ensure effective arsenic reduction without performance loss.
How should I interpret the median and range of arsenic measurements as a homeowner?
The median arsenic level of 0.24 micrograms per liter suggests that half the sampled wells had concentrations below this figure. The range extends up to 4.8 micrograms per liter, still below federal limits. This variability means your water might fall anywhere within this spectrum. Without direct testing of your well, these values offer context but no guarantee of your water’s arsenic content.
How do public water system sampling records compare to private well tests when evaluating arsenic risk?
Public water system records typically represent treated water at the tap and are subject to regulatory monitoring and reporting. Private well testing reflects untreated groundwater quality at a specific point and time. Thus, public records confirm compliance for that supply, while private well testing directly informs homeowners about their unique water quality and potential treatment needs.
What is the one test I should order to settle arsenic concerns for my household?
The critical step is to obtain a certified laboratory analysis of your private well water specifically measuring arsenic concentration. This single test provides the definitive data needed to determine if arsenic treatment is warranted. If arsenic is detected near or above recommended levels, a treatment solution such as the Fleck Arsenic Filter can be selected and configured to address your household’s water quality effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-08-15. 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 Arsenic in the 112OTSH aquifer (Livingston County): 11 results from 9 wells, median 0.24 ug/L, range 0.13-4.8 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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