Understanding Total Dissolved Solids Measurements in Portage County
Range and Median Values from Government Sampling
Government data from 175 samples collected at 27 wells within Portage County's 100SDGV aquifer show total dissolved solids (TDS) ranging from 0.15 to 510 mg/L with a median of 267 mg/L. These samples were taken from wells 12 to 140 feet deep over the period 2011 to 2024.
What These TDS Measurements Do Not Indicate
These TDS values reflect conditions across the aquifer area sampled. They do not represent any individual well's TDS concentration, which requires a specific test of that well's water. Detection of TDS at any level is not a violation or unsafe; it simply describes the dissolved mineral content.
Variability of Total Dissolved Solids Over Time
Seasonal and Multi-Year Fluctuations Evident in Data
Sampling dates spread over more than a decade reveal variation in TDS values, showing natural changes in groundwater composition influenced by seasons and other factors. These temporal patterns highlight the importance of ongoing water quality evaluation rather than relying on a single measurement.
Distinguishing Aesthetic Standards from Health-Based Limits for TDS
The Role and Meaning of Secondary Standards
The federal secondary standard for TDS is set at 500 mg/L purely for aesthetic reasons such as taste and potential for staining. In Portage County's aquifer sampling, only 1 result exceeded this secondary limit. This does not imply a health concern, but it may affect water usage perceptions.
Interpreting Certified Laboratory Test Reports for TDS
What a Laboratory Reports and How to Read It
A certified lab report for TDS presents concentration in mg/L, indicating how many milligrams of dissolved solids per liter of water were detected. This quantifies minerals like salts and metals that can influence taste, scaling, or corrosion potential. Understanding this number helps in selecting appropriate treatment technologies.
Adjusting Treatment Considerations for Household Size and Property Use
Larger or Multiple Residences Influence Demand
For households with greater water usage, such as large families or properties serving as seasonal homes, treatment equipment capacity matters. Higher flow and volume require solutions capable of handling larger loads of dissolved solids to maintain water quality effectively.
How the Fleck Complete Well System Addresses Total Dissolved Solids
Technology Designed for a 32000 Grain Capacity Demand
The Fleck Complete Well System is engineered to manage water quality challenges associated with total dissolved solids. Its high capacity of 32000 grains enables it to treat water serving an entire household efficiently, helping reduce minerals that affect water aesthetics and appliance longevity.
Choosing the right water treatment equipment for your complete well involves understanding the natural variations in your area's water quality, knowing what your certified lab tests indicate, and selecting a system sized correctly for your household's needs. The Fleck Complete Well System ships ready to configure and offers a documented solution for managing dissolved solids in Portage County residences drawing from the 100SDGV aquifer.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-20. 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 100SDGV aquifer (Portage County): 175 results from 27 wells, median 267.0 mg/L, range 0.15-510.0 mg/L; 1 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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