Understanding Iron Levels in Brevard County Aquifer Water
The U.S. Geological Survey measured iron in groundwater samples from four wells in Brevard County's aquifer in November 2019. These wells, drilled between 93 and 115 feet deep, showed iron concentrations ranging from 21.2 to 3810 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a median of 1158.5 ug/L. This data reflects iron presence in the aquifer but does not represent individual water supplies from private wells or municipal sources.
None of these measured iron levels exceeded federal limits for drinking water safety, indicating the iron detected is not a violation or health hazard. However, iron at these concentrations can cause aesthetic issues such as staining on fixtures and laundry, metallic taste in water, and can contribute to buildup in plumbing systems.
Why Testing Your Own Water Is Essential
Because iron levels vary between wells and sources, homeowners should test their own water to determine the actual iron concentration in their household supply. Testing provides precise information required to size and select effective treatment equipment.
Hard Water and Its Common Effects
In addition to iron, hard water, which contains dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals, is prevalent in Brevard County. Hard water can lead to scale deposits inside pipes and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and cause dry skin or dull hair.
Factors to Consider When Sizing a Water Treatment System
- Household Water Usage: The amount of water your home uses daily determines the system size needed to handle volume efficiently.
- Iron Concentration: Higher iron levels may require more robust or specialized treatment capacity.
- Water Hardness Level: Determines resin capacity needed to soften water effectively.
- System Capacity: The documented water softener system has a grain capacity of 32,000 grains, suitable for moderate household hardness and iron conditions.
How a Water Softener — Complete System Addresses These Issues
The water softener system conditions hard water by exchanging hardness minerals with sodium or potassium ions, reducing scale formation. It also reduces dissolved iron concentrations that cause stains and taste issues when present at typical aquifer levels. The system ships ready to configure for use and is designed to handle combined hardness and iron challenges effectively.
Next Steps for Homeowners
- Obtain a water quality analysis from a certified laboratory to measure hardness and iron levels in your water.
- Calculate your household's daily water consumption to ensure proper system sizing.
- Consider the 32,000-grain capacity of the water softener system when choosing equipment to meet your needs.
Understanding how government-sampled iron concentrations relate to your home's water will help you effectively address hard water and iron problems with a properly sized treatment system.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. 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.