Water Source Overview in Pender County Aquifer 124CSLH
The aquifer 124CSLH in Pender County supplies groundwater accessed by wells up to about 220 feet deep. Water from this aquifer reaches household taps through private or public wells drawing from various depths, influencing the water's constituent profile.
Recognizing Household Symptoms Related to Copper
Signs That May Indicate Elevated Copper
- Unusual metallic taste in water
- Blue-green staining on faucets or plumbing fixtures
- Discolored water or deposits inside pipes
Signs Unlikely to Be Linked Solely to Copper
- Cloudy or milky water
- Strong chlorine or other chemical odors
- Water hardness symptoms like scale buildup unrelated to copper
Interpreting Certified Laboratory Testing for Copper
Test Report Parameters to Expect
- Concentration reported in micrograms per liter (ug/L)
- Detection limits showing whether copper was measured above or below the laboratory’s minimum reporting threshold
- Comparison to federal health-based thresholds, which were not exceeded in Pender County samples
What a Test Does Not Show
- The test alone cannot determine taste or aesthetic issues
- Data specific only to the tested water sample, not the entire aquifer
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Copper Levels
Sampling Period and Depth Range
- Data spans from August 2013 to June 2024
- Wells sampled ranged from 22 to 220 feet deep
Variation Observed in Area Data
- Median copper concentration was 5.4 ug/L
- Measured results ranged from 1.1 to 41.9 ug/L
- Copper was detected in 3 of 14 samples; other results were below reporting limits
Understanding Detection, Median, and Range in Sampling Records
Detected
Means copper was measured above the laboratory’s reporting limit in those samples but not at concerning levels.
Median
The middle value of all sample results, indicating the typical copper concentration in the sampled wells.
Range
The lowest to highest copper values recorded in the sampled wells, showing the spread of concentration levels.
Assessing Treatment Needs Based on Household Demand
Water Use and Heavy Metals Removal
- Households should consider their daily water volume to ensure treatment equipment capacity can handle their usage.
- Choosing a system designed to reduce heavy metals like copper is important when testing shows elevated levels or symptoms are present.
- The C-Series Heavy Metals Filter ships ready to configure for such capacity needs.
Verifying Treatment Effectiveness
- Follow-up certified testing after treatment helps verify copper reduction in household water.
- Regular monitoring ensures the system continues to meet household water quality needs.
Summary of Government Sampling and Next Steps
The U.S. Geological Survey collected groundwater data from multiple wells in Pender County’s aquifer 124CSLH, measuring copper concentrations over an 11-year period. While most samples showed copper below detection limits and none exceeded federal health thresholds, individual well testing is necessary to understand specific household water conditions. For households concerned about copper and other heavy metals, the C-Series Heavy Metals Filter is a documented option to address treatment needs. Detailed government data can be reviewed at the U.S. Geological Survey’s water data website.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-06-18. 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 124CSLH aquifer (Pender County): 14 results from 9 wells, median 5.4 ug/L, range 1.1-41.9 ug/L; none above any federal threshold