When your water quality laboratory report lists pH values, it shows a measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale typically ranging from 0 to 14. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while above 7 indicates alkalinity. This page looks at what government groundwater sampling in Union County, Arkansas, reveals about pH levels, and what this means for residential water use experiencing acidic water problems despite existing equipment.
Household Symptoms That May or May Not Indicate Acidic Water
Common household signs suspected to result from acidic water include unusual metallic tastes, blue or green staining on plumbing fixtures, and premature wear of pipes or appliances. However, these symptoms can arise from other water quality factors or plumbing conditions unrelated to pH. Without specific water testing, symptoms alone cannot confirm acidic water in your household.
How Well Depth and Water Source Affect Expected pH Levels
The pH of Union County water sources varies by well depth and aquifer characteristics. The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 26 wells ranging from 260 to 783 feet deep in the 124SPRT aquifer. These samples showed a pH range from 7.5 to 9.1 standard units, with a median of 8.6. Lower pH values, indicative of acidity, were not detected in this region's groundwater samples, suggesting that water from these depths typically leans neutral to slightly alkaline.
Potential Outcomes of Leaving Acidic Water Untreated Over Time
If actual acidic water is present and not managed, it may accelerate corrosion of metal fixtures, leading to leaks or staining and potentially causing higher maintenance needs. However, the local data does not indicate widespread acidic conditions, so long-term damage from acidity is less likely based on area water quality records alone.
The Strength of the Sampling Record Behind pH Data Here
The pH findings come from a substantial government sampling effort: 167 samples collected from 26 separate wells over more than a decade. This breadth provides a reliable overview of typical water conditions in the Union County 124SPRT aquifer. Smaller sample sets or single tests would be less indicative of overall area water qualities.
Understanding the Terms 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in Sampling Data
In this record, 'detected' means pH measurement was recorded in all samples, with none falling below the reporting limit. The median pH of 8.6 represents the middle value of all samples, while the range (7.5 to 9.1) shows the full span of values observed. Since no values dropped below 6.5 (the EPA’s secondary aesthetic standard lower limit), acidic water readings were not found in these samples.
Next Steps: Confirming Your Home’s Water pH
Because regional data alone cannot verify your household’s water pH, the next step is to order a laboratory water test specifically measuring pH from your tap or well. A result below 6.5 standard units would confirm acidic water presence at your location. In such a case, the C-Series Acidic / Low-pH Water Filter can effectively address low-pH water by neutralizing acidity and protecting your home’s water system. This system ships ready to configure for residential use, offering a practical solution when acidic water is confirmed by testing.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2026-07-30. 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 124SPRT aquifer (Union County): 167 results from 26 wells, median 8.6 standard units, range 7.5-9.1 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 0 of 167 sampled results fell below 6.5