USGS Monitoring Data for Highlands County Aquifer 120UFAQ
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling within Highlands County, focusing on the 120UFAQ aquifer. The dataset includes three arsenic measurements from two wells monitored between April 2015 and January 2026. These wells, sampled at depths ranging from 1520 to 1530 feet, showed a median arsenic concentration of 0.27 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with values ranging from 0.22 to 0.28 µg/L. All measurements were below federally established thresholds for arsenic in drinking water, which means these detections do not represent regulatory violations.
Implications for Commercial Water Systems Covering Entire Buildings
For commercial operators managing whole-building water supplies, arsenic levels—even when below federal limits—warrant attention because even low concentrations can accumulate or affect taste and equipment longevity over time. Government data reflect conditions across sampled wells in this aquifer but cannot specify individual well concentrations. Thus, operators should obtain comprehensive water testing specific to their building’s source to confirm actual arsenic levels before designing treatment strategies.
Testing to Inform Treatment Decisions
Knowing the exact arsenic concentration and water quality profile from the commercial building’s source water is essential. Standard water tests sampling all supply points establish whether arsenic or related contaminants require removal, and at what scale. This targeted approach helps avoid unnecessary treatment complexity or costs and ensures compliance with operational water quality goals.
Addressing Arsenic Treatment for Entire Commercial Facilities
Treating water for an entire building presents unique challenges absent in point-of-use applications. Solutions must handle high volumes consistently and maintain flow rates compatible with commercial operations. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology is recognized for effectively reducing arsenic concentrations. Specifically, the WSP Whole House Reverse Osmosis System - Commercial, C-Series is designed to manage large-capacity needs, with a grain capacity rating of 210,000, supporting sustained arsenic reduction at scale.
How the WSP Reverse Osmosis System Fits Commercial Needs
- Configured for whole-building water supplies, capable of handling daily volume demands without compromising performance
- Utilizes RO membranes that selectively remove arsenic molecules, delivering treated water throughout the building
- Ships ready to configure, allowing integration into existing water systems with minimal disruption
By implementing this technology, commercial operators can address arsenic concerns proactively, ensuring consistent water quality across all outlets within the building.
Summary and Recommendations
Government sampling in Highlands County’s 120UFAQ aquifer shows arsenic is detected but remains below regulatory thresholds in monitored wells. However, for commercial enterprises relying on this water source to supply whole buildings, confirming site-specific arsenic concentrations through testing is critical. Where treatment is advisable, the WSP Whole House Reverse Osmosis System - Commercial, C-Series offers a documented and scalable method to mitigate arsenic concerns across high-volume commercial water systems.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. 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.
The documented solution
WSP Whole House Reverse Osmosis System - Commercial, C-Series