Interpreting Clay County Iron Levels: A Simple Example
Government sampling details
The U.S. Geological Survey collected 50 iron measurements from nine wells in Clay County's 111ALVM aquifer between 2010 and 2026. Iron was detected in all samples at concentrations ranging from 1,280 to 32,000 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with a median of 12,950 µg/L.
What this means at home
These figures represent what iron levels can be like in local groundwater but do not indicate the exact iron level in your home's water. Only a certified water test of your own water supply can provide that information.
Which household areas show iron and rust effects first?
Fixtures and appliances most vulnerable
- Cold water taps and faucets where iron precipitates as rust-colored staining.
- Bathroom and kitchen sinks displaying reddish or orange deposits.
- Washing machines and dishwashers, which can show rust stains on fabrics and dishes.
- Water heaters and pipes where accumulation of iron sediments may begin.
Consequences of untreated iron and rust buildup over time
Common long-term effects
- Persistent staining that becomes harder to clean from fixtures and laundry.
- Potential reduction in appliance efficiency due to sediment deposits.
- Gradual clogging or corrosion risks in pipes, affecting water flow and maintenance needs.
Recognizing indicators that do and do not suggest iron and rust presence
Symptoms consistent with iron in water
- Visible rusty or orange colored staining on sinks, tubs, or toilets.
- Metallic taste noticed in drinking water.
- Water appearing clear when drawn but leaving deposits after standing.
Symptoms unlikely caused by iron
- Cloudy or milky water appearance.
- Strong rotten egg or sulfur odors.
- Sudden water discoloration unrelated to iron staining.
What Clay County iron levels reveal compared to federal guidelines
Compliance status of sampled wells
None of the measured iron concentrations in the sampled wells exceeded any federal threshold for drinking water. While iron presence at these levels can affect aesthetics and plumbing, it is not recorded as a health violation.
Limits of this data
This regional sampling cannot substitute for specific water testing of your own well or municipal supply, as local conditions vary.
How iron enters Clay County groundwater sources
Natural sources
Iron naturally occurs in aquifer formations, including the 111ALVM aquifer, and can dissolve into groundwater over time.
Environmental factors
Iron levels may vary due to soil composition, well depth, and oxygen levels underground, affecting iron solubility and concentration.
Clarifying your water’s iron content with a test
The single most informative step to resolve doubts about iron and rust in your household water is to have a certified laboratory conduct an iron concentration test on your water supply. A precise iron level result will determine whether treatment is advisable and guide the choice of solutions such as the C-Series Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter, which ships ready to configure.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2026-05-12. 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 Iron in the 111ALVM aquifer (Clay County): 50 results from 9 wells, median 12950.0 ug/L, range 1280.0-32000.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold