Many assume one test reveals all about their well's water quality
A laboratory test report for total dissolved solids (TDS) in water typically lists the concentration measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). In Brown County, KS, U.S. Geological Survey data from six wells sampled in August 2011 shows TDS measurements range from 0.41 to 475.0 mg/L, with a median of 312.0 mg/L. These results represent area-level findings in aquifer 112DRFT and are not specific to any individual household well.
People often think that the number of samples does not matter much
The Brown County data is based on 24 samples collected from six separate wells between depths of 24 and 43 feet. This relatively small sampling size means the range and median values provide an approximate overview rather than a detailed map of every well's condition. Households considering treatment should note that local variation can be significant; only testing their own well water will provide exact individual results.
It is common to believe water quality remains stable year-round
The sampling for this area occurred within a two-week period in August 2011. Seasonal or multi-year variation is not captured in this single sampling event. Groundwater constituents like total dissolved solids can fluctuate with weather, water table changes, and other factors over time. A single test or short-term data snapshot does not show these dynamics.
Many expect well depth or source type to have minimal impact on water quality
Depth of sampled wells in this data ranged from 24 to 43 feet. Water chemistry, including TDS, can vary with well depth as deeper water may interact differently with geological formations than shallow water. Thus, the household well’s depth and construction are important considerations when evaluating water quality concerns and treatment needs.
People sometimes view public water system records and private well tests as interchangeable
The U.S. Geological Survey data represents groundwater quality in an aquifer, not treated municipal water or individual private wells. Public water systems regularly test treated water and must meet federal health standards, while private well owners are responsible for their own testing. Records for public systems differ in scope and purpose from an individual’s well water analysis.
To assess if treatment is needed, a household with a complete well should obtain a certified laboratory test specific to their well and analyze total dissolved solids along with other constituents of concern. For water with elevated TDS or related issues, a solution such as the Autotrol Complete Well System, with its 32,000-grain capacity, ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce total dissolved solids and improve water quality.
This page summarizes U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling conducted in Brown County, KS, aquifer 112DRFT, based on six wells sampled 2011-08-04 through 2011-08-19. Visit the USGS site for full data and context.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-08-19. 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 Total dissolved solids in the 112DRFT aquifer (Brown County): 24 results from 6 wells, median 312.0 mg/L, range 0.41-475.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold
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