Autotrol Complete Well System

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Understanding Treatment Capacity for Daily Household Demand

Assess grain capacity relative to household water use

When considering equipment like the Autotrol Complete Well System, it is important to match its grain capacity of 32,000 grains to your household’s daily water consumption. This helps ensure the system can manage the total dissolved solids (TDS) load effectively without frequent regeneration or capacity issues.

Evaluate water demand based on family size and usage patterns

Calculating your average daily water use allows you to estimate the volume of dissolved solids the treatment system must handle. Larger households or those with high water use may require proportionally larger treatment capacity.

Consequences of Leaving Total Dissolved Solids Untreated Over Time

Accumulation can affect water taste and appliance longevity

Prolonged exposure to elevated TDS levels may cause a noticeable change in water taste and contribute to mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, potentially reducing efficiency. The regional data from Pottawatomie County shows TDS ranging up to 903 mg/L, with some results exceeding the 500 mg/L secondary standard related to aesthetics, not health.

Possible formation of scale deposits

High dissolved solids can contribute to scale that affects water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances involving water heating or circulation, which may increase maintenance frequency over years.

Fixtures and Appliances First Affected by Elevated TDS

Hot water heaters show early signs of mineral scaling

Due to heating, hot water appliances often develop scale from dissolved solids before other fixtures, impacting energy efficiency and lifespan.

Kitchen and bathroom fixtures experience staining and taste changes

Faucets, sinks, and taps may present deposits or altered water taste attributed to TDS levels, especially near or above the area's secondary standard of 500 mg/L.

Laundry machines and dishwashers may require more detergent

Increased TDS can reduce detergent effectiveness, leading to potential adjustments in cleaning routines.

Distinction Between Secondary Standards and Health-Based Limits

Secondary standards address aesthetic aspects only

The 500 mg/L threshold referenced for total dissolved solids in Pottawatomie County is a secondary standard focused on taste, staining, and corrosivity. It is not a health-based limit and does not indicate unsafe water.

Health-based standards undergo different assessment criteria

These are set by regulatory agencies based on health risk evaluations, which do not apply to TDS at the levels detected in the regional groundwater samples.

Detection levels do not imply safety or violation

All 59 regional TDS results were detected above reporting limits, with no measurement alone indicating a legal violation or health concern.

Scope and Significance of Regional Sampling Data

Fifty-nine samples from 24 wells provide area context

Data from wells 80 to 320 feet deep in Pottawatomie County’s aquifer 310WLNG offer a regional perspective on groundwater TDS levels from August 2011 through May 2013.

Median TDS concentration is 249 mg/L in the sampled area

This median, alongside a wide range up to 903 mg/L, highlights variability typical in groundwater quality across the region, cautioning against applying these values directly to individual wells.

Small sample size and variability emphasize need for personal testing

While informative, regional data cannot replace testing specific to your well. Only laboratory analysis of your water will precisely determine your household’s dissolved solids and treatment needs.

Conclusions on Using Regional Data for Treatment Decisions

Regional measurements establish general water quality trends in Pottawatomie County but do not define any individual household’s well water composition. To identify the most appropriate treatment capacity and technology, such as the Autotrol Complete Well System—which ships ready to configure with a 32,000 grain capacity—testing your own water sample is an essential step. This approach ensures your complete well water treatment aligns with your household’s specific water quality challenges and daily volume requirements.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-05-01. 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 310WLNG aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 59 results from 24 wells, median 249.0 mg/L, range 0.11-903.0 mg/L; 6 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding