Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Sulfide Sampling
The term 'detected' means sulfide was measured in all 23 samples from 19 wells in the FIPS 110, aquifer 112DFSF area sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2011 and 2017. The median concentration was 0.06 mg/L, indicating that half the measurements were below this level, and half were above. The range spans from 0.0 to 1.3 mg/L, showing variability across different wells sampled. This data reflects the general presence of sulfide in the aquifer wells, not specific concentrations in your own household water.
How Sample Depth, Well Depth, and Source Type Affect Expectations
Samples were collected from wells between 10 and 155 feet deep, which influences sulfide levels because deeper or shallower groundwater layers can have different chemical compositions. Your well’s depth and construction impacts the sulfide concentrations you might encounter. Additionally, the type of water source—such as a private well tapping into this aquifer—can differ from municipal systems or surface water supply, affecting sulfur smell potential.
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits for Sulfide
Sulfide has a distinctive rotten-egg odor often noticed in water. Government records show no sulfide results above any federal health thresholds in this aquifer. This means sulfide detections represent an aesthetic issue rather than a safety concern. Secondary standards address taste, odor, and staining effects, not health risks. Household sensitivity to sulfur smell varies, so even low levels may be bothersome.
Considerations for Large Households, Second Homes, or Seasonal Properties
Water use patterns differ in larger households and seasonal residences. Higher daily water demand can affect how quickly sulfur odors appear or dissipate. Intermittent water use in second homes might lead to stagnant water, intensifying sulfur smell. Treatment solutions should align with household size and usage to maintain effective odor control.
Interpreting Sample Size and Variability in the Aquifer Data
The sulfide data is based on 23 samples from 19 wells over six years, providing a moderate dataset for this aquifer area. While informative, variability among wells and over time means your household water might differ. A small sample size or limited number of wells could overlook localized conditions. Therefore, individual testing remains essential to confirm your specific sulfide level.
Next Step: Testing for Sulfide in Your Household Water
To determine if sulfide causes your sulfur smell, order a quantitative sulfide test from a certified laboratory for your water source. A result showing sulfide presence aligned with odor complaints confirms the issue. If sulfide is detected at levels causing odor, consider using the C-Series Rotten-Egg Sulfur Smell Filter, which ships ready to configure for reliable reduction of sulfur odor in household water.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-09-05. 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 Sulfide in the 112DFSF aquifer (FIPS 110): 23 results from 19 wells, median 0.06 mg/L, range 0.0-1.3 mg/L; none above any federal threshold