How Does Sediment Get Into Groundwater in Coconino County Aquifer 111ALVM?
Sediment in groundwater arises from particles naturally present in soil and rock formations through which water moves. For the Coconino County area, the United States Geological Survey sampled wells within the local aquifer (111ALVM) and recorded a range of specific conductance values from 1,080 to 10,300 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm) in 19 results from 10 wells sampled between 2016 and 2021. Specific conductance relates to the presence of dissolved minerals that commonly accompany sediment but does not measure sediment size or amount directly. These dissolved solids can indicate groundwater that carries naturally occurring particulate matter that may settle out or clog your well pump system.
How Do Plumbing Materials and Their Age Affect Sediment Issues, Separate From Water Source?
Sediment-related problems can be compounded or confused by the condition and type of household plumbing. Older plumbing materials or corroded pipes may release particles that resemble sediment but originate from the pipes themselves, not the well water supply. In contrast, newer materials are less likely to shed particles, and sediment tends to come primarily from the groundwater or the well pump's mechanical condition. Distinguishing whether the particles originate from the water source or plumbing components is key to addressing the true sediment problem.
How Can I Differentiate Well Pump Sediment from Other Water Issues?
Sediment is often mistaken for other water quality concerns such as discoloration from dissolved metals or biological growth. Unlike dissolved contaminants, sediment consists of suspended solid particles that can be visible or cause cloudiness. They do not correlate directly with health-based federal limits but can impair water clarity, cause wear on pumps, and affect appliance performance. Testing for turbidity or particle count is necessary to confirm sediment presence, as specific conductance data alone indicates dissolved substances rather than suspended solids.
What Are the Signs at Home That Indicate Well Pump Sediment, and What Does Not?
Common signs of sediment include visible particles in water, sediment buildup in toilets or sinks, gritty textures on fixtures, and clogging or wear in plumbing filters or pumps. However, discoloration, odor, or taste changes can result from other constituents or plumbing issues unrelated to sediment. Routine sediment accumulation problems usually become evident through mechanical interruptions or visual sediment rather than changes in water smell or taste.
What Does the Range of Specific Conductance in Coconino County Indicate in Terms of Federal Standards?
The sampled wells in aquifer 111ALVM showed specific conductance readings well below any federal health-based thresholds. These values are not safety flags but provide a guideline to what dissolved mineral content might be present alongside sediment in groundwater. While specific conductance does not measure sediment quantity, higher readings can correlate with increased dissolved solids that may accompany particulate matter affecting pump operation. It is important to remember that these figures represent area-wide data from sampled wells and do not specify the condition of any single household's water supply.
What Can Help Manage Well Pump Sediment Based on Your Water?
After testing your specific water for sediment concentration, using a dedicated sediment filter designed for well pump protection can reduce particulate buildup and protect your home's water system. The Pentair Sediment From the Well Pump Filter ships ready to configure and is made to address sediment issues consistent with the type of groundwater found in Coconino County's aquifer 111ALVM. This approach targets sediment removal before water reaches your plumbing, improving clarity and reducing pump wear.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-07-07. 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 Specific conductance in the 111ALVM aquifer (Coconino County): 19 results from 10 wells, median 2360.0 uS/cm, range 1080.0-10300.0 uS/cm; none above any federal threshold
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