Government groundwater sampling in Bernalillo County’s aquifer 112SNTFU shows iron was detected in 295 out of 381 samples taken from 16 wells between 2013 and 2024. These wells ranged 100 to 1630 feet deep. The median iron concentration was 37.4 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a range from 4.4 to 11,500 ug/L. Notably, none of these results exceeded any federal health-based thresholds.
Myth: Treated water will have no traces of constituents like iron at the tap
The reality is that treatment systems alter the water delivered to your home by reducing certain constituents to levels that minimize staining, taste, or other aesthetic issues. The Autotrol Total Well Chlorination System uses a capacity of 32,000 grains to effectively manage well water conditions typical for this area. This technology targets reduction of iron and related effects, rather than eliminating all trace minerals, which is neither practical nor necessary for typical household use.
Myth: Water quality is stable and unchanging in this region
Sampling over more than a decade reveals a wide range in iron concentrations, from as low as 4.4 ug/L up to 11,500 ug/L. This variability occurs across different wells and times, reflecting natural fluctuations in aquifer chemistry and possibly seasonal influences. Homeowners should expect some year-to-year changes, which the treatment system can handle within its capacity.
Myth: Household symptoms always clearly indicate total well water issues
Signs like staining on fixtures or unpleasant taste may point toward elevated iron or related concerns, but these symptoms alone cannot confirm water quality conditions. Similar symptoms can arise from other issues unrelated to total well water quality. Testing your own well water is essential to identify specific needs before choosing treatment. Symptoms that do not improve with treatment may warrant further investigation into alternative causes.
Myth: Contaminants like iron enter groundwater through pollution or external sources
In Bernalillo County’s aquifer 112SNTFU, iron naturally occurs in groundwater due to the geological composition of the underground rock formations. It is not a result of pollution but rather a mineral released by natural processes. Understanding this helps clarify that presence in water is normal and manageable with appropriate treatment, rather than indicating contamination.
Myth: A small number of samples fully defines your well’s water quality profile
The USGS record includes 381 samples from 16 wells, providing a broad picture of groundwater conditions across the area. However, your well’s water quality may differ based on depth, location, and other factors. A small number of samples or tests may not capture this variability. Testing your water directly is the only way to know its specific profile and determine the right treatment approach.
For homeowners who have measured their household water daily demand, the Autotrol Total Well Chlorination System offers a robust, ready-to-configure solution to address well water treatment needs typical for Bernalillo County’s aquifer 112SNTFU. Its 32,000 grain capacity aligns well with common residential usage and variable water quality conditions documented by government sampling here.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-10-17. 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 112SNTFU aquifer (Bernalillo County): 381 results from 16 wells, median 37.4 ug/L, range 4.4-11500.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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