What do government water samples tell us about sulfur smell in Plymouth County’s aquifer 112SRFD?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) conducted groundwater sampling in Plymouth County focusing on aquifer 112SRFD. Between June 2010 and November 2012, they collected 20 sulfide measurements from 17 separate wells. These wells were between 8 and 166 feet deep, representing a range of local groundwater conditions but not any individual household source. The median sulfide concentration was 0.0 mg/L, with a range from 0.0 to 0.1 mg/L. Sulfide was detected in every sampled well, meaning instruments found measurable levels, yet no values exceeded any federal thresholds. This data provides regional context but not a precise reading for your home water.
How can I understand a certified lab’s sulfide test report for my water?
If you send a water sample to a certified laboratory, the report will specify sulfide levels specific to your source. Key values include the detected concentration, detection limits, and comparison to secondary standards related to taste and odor. The term "detected" means the test found sulfide present; it does not mean the water is unsafe. Your report will help identify if sulfide is likely causing a sulfur odor. Confirming your own water’s sulfide level is essential because regional data alone does not determine your home’s exact condition.
What can happen if sulfur smell is left untreated in household water for years?
When sulfide is present in water, it can cause a noticeable rotten-egg odor. Over time, persistent sulfur smell can affect the enjoyment of your water and may damage plumbing fixtures by corrosion, though such impacts depend on the sulfide concentration and water chemistry. Untreated sulfur odor does not automatically indicate health risks, but it can reduce water appeal and potentially encourage maintenance needs due to corrosion and staining if elevated. Addressing sulfur smell improves water quality experience in the household.
What do terms like 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' mean for the provided USGS data?
In the USGS sampling record:
- Detected means sulfide was measured above the instrument’s reporting limit in all 20 samples.
- Median of 0.0 mg/L means half the results were below or equal to this value; it suggests generally low sulfide presence.
- Range from 0.0 to 0.1 mg/L shows the lowest and highest values observed, indicating some variability across wells.
None of these measurements surpassed federal standards for water safety or aesthetic secondary limits, confirming no large-scale exceedances were found in this regional data set.
Does the USGS data show seasonal or long-term variation in sulfide levels?
The data sample period (June 2010 to November 2012) spans over two years, capturing potential fluctuations. The range of sulfide results from 0.0 to 0.1 mg/L with consistent detection in all samples suggests stable but variable low-level presence. While the data does not provide detailed seasonal breakdowns, consistent detection supports that some degree of sulfide occurs steadily in the aquifer over multiple years.
How should I interpret Plymouth County’s sulfide profile compared to nearby counties?
While this page focuses on Plymouth County’s aquifer 112SRFD, comparing with neighboring areas requires caution. Differences in geology, well depth, and sampling dates affect sulfide levels. An absence of exceedances in Plymouth County does not guarantee the same for adjacent counties, nor does higher or lower measured sulfide imply better or worse water quality universally. Such comparisons provide context but must be paired with local testing to understand your specific water effectively.
What treatment option addresses sulfur smell for my household water needs?
Once you know your water’s sulfide concentration and daily volume demand, equipment can be selected to reduce sulfur odor effectively. The C-Series Rotten-Egg Sulfur Smell Filter ships ready to configure and is documented as a solution tailored for sulfur smell removal in residential water supplies. It is designed to reduce the rotten-egg odor associated with sulfide, helping improve water taste and odor without complicating home water use.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2012-11-01. 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 112SRFD aquifer (Plymouth County): 20 results from 17 wells, median 0.0 mg/L, range 0.0-0.1 mg/L; none above any federal threshold