Fleck Heavy Metals Filter

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Belief: Copper Levels in Jefferson County Water Change Dramatically Year to Year

It’s often assumed that heavy metals concentrations, like copper, vary wildly from season to season or year to year in groundwater sources. However, U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Jefferson County's aquifer 371CCCGG, with 10 samples from 7 wells collected over 11 years (2013 to 2024), shows copper levels range from 0.9 to 11.8 micrograms per liter (ug/L) with a median of 4.5 ug/L. This indicates a relatively stable presence of copper within this range over time rather than drastic fluctuations. The wells sampled were between 155 and 445 feet deep, suggesting that the recorded range reflects the aquifer’s overall condition rather than ephemeral spikes or drops.

Belief: Any Measured Copper Above Secondary Standards Means a Health Risk

The difference between aesthetic secondary standards and health-based limits is often misunderstood. Aesthetic secondary standards address taste, staining, and corrosivity and do not indicate health hazards. In Jefferson County’s aquifer 371CCCGG, no copper sample exceeded federally established health-based thresholds. Copper detections at or below these thresholds do not signal unsafe drinking water but may affect plumbing and appliance performance. Recognizing this difference can prevent unnecessary alarm and guide appropriate water treatment choices focused on improving water aesthetics and equipment longevity.

Belief: Public Water Records Directly Describe Individual Well Water Quality

Many believe public water system data directly represent a household’s well water quality. U.S. Geological Survey data for aquifer 371CCCGG result from multiple wells sampled across the region, not an individual home’s well. These public records provide a valuable regional overview but cannot replace specific testing of your household water to determine exact copper levels. Testing your own water remains essential for accurate knowledge of your specific conditions before selecting treatment options.

Belief: Heavy Metals Presence Is Often Reflected in Clear Household Indicators

Visible signs such as blue or green stains on plumbing fixtures, metallic taste, or equipment corrosion may suggest elevated copper. However, these symptoms alone cannot confirm copper levels or rule out other causes. Household symptoms often overlap among various water quality concerns, so relying solely on them risks misdiagnosis. Objective water testing remains the only way to confirm copper presence and quantify it accurately, supporting informed treatment decisions.

Belief: Treated Water Is Instantly Free of All Copper After Filtration

When using a Fleck Heavy Metals Filter, the water at the tap changes by significantly reducing copper concentrations detected in municipal or well water. The Fleck System is designed specifically for heavy metals removal, improving water taste and protecting plumbing by addressing copper presence. While the filter substantially lowers copper, thorough and regular testing of treated water helps monitor ongoing effectiveness and maintain household water quality.

In summary, understanding copper in Jefferson County’s aquifer 371CCCGG requires distinguishing between regional sampling data and individual well conditions, recognizing the difference between aesthetic and health standards, and confirming water quality through testing. The Fleck Heavy Metals Filter directly addresses copper concerns by providing targeted treatment that enhances household water quality based on these facts.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-06-13. 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 Copper in the 371CCCGG aquifer (Jefferson County): 10 results from 7 wells, median 4.5 ug/L, range 0.9-11.8 ug/L; none above any federal threshold