The U.S. Geological Survey has collected 240 chloride results from 19 wells in the Mono County aquifer between 2012 and 2022. All chloride detections fall below federal thresholds, indicating no regulatory exceedances in this sampled area.
Sample Size and Scope of Chloride Data
Number of Samples and Wells
The data comprises 240 chloride measurements from 19 separate wells drilled between 405 and 1300 feet deep. The breadth of sampling provides a regional overview but does not specify any individual well.
Implications of Small Sample Representations
While the sample size is statistically meaningful for the aquifer, the figures represent area-wide conditions, not a particular household's water supply. Local variation can occur outside the sampled wells.
Meaning of Chloride Range Against Federal Standards
Range of Chloride Concentrations
Measured chloride spans from 0.24 to 32.9 mg/L, with a median of 10.25 mg/L. These values all fall below federal taste and corrosion-related secondary standards.
What a Detection Does and Does Not Indicate
Detection means measurable chloride is present, but it is not a violation nor indicates unsafe water quality. Below-threshold levels relate to aesthetics such as taste, staining, and pipe corrosivity but do not reflect health risks.
Influence of Sample Depth and Source Type
Depth of Sampled Wells
The wells sampled range from moderate to deep (405 to 1300 feet), representing typical depths for area aquifers. Deeper wells may have different water chemistry characteristics than shallow sources.
Source Type and Homeowner Expectations
Private household wells draw from this aquifer but can vary locally. Homeowners should test their own water to establish actual chloride concentrations and corrosive potential.
Differences Between Public System Records and Private Wells
Public Water System Data Limitations
Public system data undergoes regular sampling; however, Mono County’s sampled data here is from groundwater wells, not treated municipal supplies. The public record establishes broad regional quality, not tap water specifics.
Need for Private Well Testing
Households using private wells must conduct individual testing to assess corrosive water risks, as regional data cannot replace specific water quality measurements.
Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Operators
Higher Water Demand and System Sensitivity
Commercial users may face increased pipe corrosion risks due to larger volumes and system complexity, necessitating more frequent monitoring and specialized treatment solutions.
Regulatory Compliance Obligations
Industrial operations may have stricter regulatory standards for water constituents and corrosion control compared to residential use.
Potential Consequences of Untreated Corrosive Water Over Time
Long-Term Pipe and Fixture Damage
Continued exposure to corrosive water can progressively damage plumbing infrastructure, causing leaks, metal leaching, and increased maintenance needs.
Impact on Water Quality
Corrosive water may alter water taste or appearance due to pipe material interaction but does not inherently cause health hazards if below federal thresholds.
The chloride concentration data is based on 240 samples from 19 Mono County aquifer wells sampled 2012 to 2022. For comprehensive details, visit the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater monitoring website.
For households concerned about corrosive water damage, the C-Series Corrosive Water Damaging Pipes Filter ships ready to configure and can help mitigate pipe corrosion effects based on tested water conditions.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2022-11-17. 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 Chloride in the aquifer (Mono County): 240 results from 19 wells, median 10.25 mg/L, range 0.24-32.9 mg/L; none above any federal threshold