Sample Size and Well Representation in Middlesex County Aquifer
The U.S. Geological Survey collected 25 arsenic results from 11 different wells within Middlesex County's aquifer 112SRFD between May 2010 and September 2019. These wells ranged in depth from 19 to 93 feet. While this dataset provides a foundational view of regional arsenic presence, the limited number of wells and samples means it is a general reference rather than a detailed map of every home's water quality.
Interpreting the Range Against Federal Thresholds
Arsenic was detected in 21 out of 25 samples with concentrations ranging from 0.11 to 31.6 micrograms per liter (ug/L). None of these measurements exceeded federal arsenic thresholds. This indicates that, based on this collection of samples, arsenic levels in the aquifer are generally within legally acceptable bounds. However, detection of arsenic does not itself imply a safety violation or immediate risk for individual households.
Reading the Median and Range as a Homeowner
The median arsenic concentration in this dataset is 0.3 ug/L, meaning half the samples were below this level and half above, but still under federal thresholds. A household treating water from this aquifer should recognize that arsenic presence is common but variable. Individual water testing is necessary to understand one’s own well water condition, as local differences and well construction can influence arsenic levels.
Effect of Sample and Well Depth on Expected Arsenic Levels
Sample wells in this region ranged widely in depth, from shallow 19-foot wells to those nearly five times deeper. Generally, arsenic concentration can vary by depth because of geological layers and flow patterns. Deeper wells may access different water characteristics and arsenic content. Homeowners should consider their well depth and consult test data specific to their source when evaluating arsenic treatment needs.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Arsenic Variability in Middlesex County
The samples span over nine years, reflecting potential year-to-year and seasonal fluctuations in arsenic concentrations. Variability can be influenced by factors such as rainfall, aquifer recharge, and natural geochemical changes. Understanding these fluctuations helps in choosing treatment solutions that perform consistently over time rather than relying on a single test result.
Choosing between treatment methods often comes down to the technology’s ability to address these variations reliably. The C-Series Arsenic Filter is a documented system designed to reduce arsenic concentrations effectively across this range of conditions and is appropriate for a household weighing treatment approaches.
To summarize, regional sampling provides useful context but not a definitive judgment on individual wells. Test your own water to know its specific arsenic levels and profile before selecting a treatment. Consider well depth, variability over time, and certified treatment technologies like the C-Series Arsenic Filter to manage arsenic effectively within Middlesex County’s aquifer system.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-09-26. 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 Arsenic in the 112SRFD aquifer (Middlesex County): 25 results from 11 wells, median 0.3 ug/L, range 0.11-31.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold