What Government Data Reveals About Your Local Water
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in Hillsborough County, focusing on aquifer 120FLRD. The study analyzed pH levels from 61 samples collected across 20 wells between 2010 and 2012. These wells ranged in depth from 29 to 299 feet, indicating a comprehensive view of the groundwater in this region.
The median pH value found was 7.2 standard units, indicating generally neutral water conditions. However, the range extended from 5.5 to 8.0 standard units. It is important to note that pH is a measure of water acidity or alkalinity; values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. In this dataset, 5 out of 61 samples had pH values below 6.5, meaning some water sources in the vicinity can be acidic.
What Acidic and Hard Water Means for Your Home
Water with low pH (acidic) can be corrosive. This corrosivity might lead to issues such as metal leaching from pipes and fixtures, staining, and damage to appliances. Hardness, commonly caused by calcium and magnesium, often accompanies such water systems and contributes to scale buildup. These combined conditions can affect water taste, soap effectiveness, and the longevity of your plumbing and appliances.
Secondary Standards for pH Explain Impact but Not Safety
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a secondary standard for pH of 6.5 to 8.5, which is a range intended to prevent aesthetic and corrosion problems, not a health-based limit. The data from Hillsborough County show that while the median falls comfortably within this range, some groundwater may be acidic enough to cause these non-health related issues.
Determining Your Own Water's Condition
Area data cannot substitute for testing your household water. To know the pH and hardness levels specifically affecting your home, water testing is necessary. Testing will reveal the precise condition of your water, informing whether chemical adjustment or hardness removal is beneficial.
How Chemical Feed Systems Address Acid and Hardness Issues
The Total Well system utilizes chemical feeding technology to treat your water thoroughly. With a grain capacity of 48,000, water flow rates of 17 gallons per day and 9 gallons per minute, and a tank size of 10 by 54 inches, this system is designed to manage well water conditions comprehensively.
It works by delivering a controlled chlorination process combined with other chemical adjustments to neutralize acidity and manage hardness effectively throughout your household water supply. This treatment helps to reduce corrosivity, prevent scale buildup, and improve overall water quality.
Next Steps for Those Experiencing Water Quality Concerns
- Get a detailed water test specific to your household well or supply.
- Review the findings in light of regional data from Hillsborough County and understand what adjustments might be needed.
- Consider a chemical feed system like Total Well, which ships ready to configure for residential water treatment.
Understanding the nature of your local aquifer's water conditions along with personal water testing forms the foundation for effective management of acidic and hard water problems.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2012-11-07. 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 pH in the 120FLRD aquifer (Hillsborough County): 61 results from 20 wells, median 7.2 standard units, range 5.5-8.0 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 5 of 61 sampled results fell below 6.5
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