Fleck City Hard Water + Iron System

Buy Now

View full details

Understanding Water Quality from Whatcom County Aquifers

The groundwater in Whatcom County, sampled from wells 4 to 24 feet deep, feeds many household taps in this region. Between November 2013 and September 2017, 45 wells were tested for iron levels by the U.S. Geological Survey. Iron was detected in 29 wells with concentrations ranging widely from 4.3 to 4980 micrograms per liter (µg/L), and 16 wells had iron below detection limits. None of the samples exceeded federal health-based thresholds, indicating no violation or safety concern based on these area-wide data. However, these figures do not specify any individual household’s water quality.

Routine Care and Maintenance of Treatment Technology

Annual Resin Replacement Recommended

The Fleck City Hard Water + Iron System includes a 32,000 grain capacity resin bed that softens hard water and reduces iron levels. Routine maintenance primarily involves checking and replacing the resin every one to two years to maintain effectiveness.

Regular System Regeneration

The system requires periodic regeneration cycles to flush trapped minerals and iron from the media. These cycles occur automatically or can be manually initiated depending on usage patterns and water hardness levels.

Distinguishing City Hard Water and Iron from Other Water Issues

Different from Sediment or Organic Contaminants

Unlike particulate sediment or organic matter, iron in the water is dissolved or in very fine particles causing discoloration and metallic taste, not cloudiness or raw matter buildup.

Separate from Water pH or Chloride Concerns

While chloride impacts taste and corrosion, and pH relates to acidity, iron and hardness derive from mineral content requiring specific treatments focused on ion exchange and oxidation.

Effect of Treatment on Water Quality at the Tap

Reduction in Hardness Minerals

The Fleck system exchanges calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, softening water to prevent scale buildup on fixtures and improve cleaning efficiency.

Lowered Iron Concentrations

Iron is removed through specialized resin media that captures iron ions and prevents staining on laundry, plumbing fixtures, and appliances, resulting in clearer water.

Improved Taste and Appearance

Treated water typically loses the metallic taste and reddish stains associated with iron, providing a more pleasant experience for household use.

Adjustments for Larger or Seasonal Residences

Capacity Planning for High Water Use

Larger households or homes with frequent guests may require more frequent regeneration cycles or a higher capacity resin bed to maintain water quality consistently.

Considerations for Second Homes

Properties used seasonally might employ timer-based regeneration to maintain system readiness without wasteful cycles during absence.

Additional Questions from Commercial or Industrial Operators

Higher Volume and Flow Rate Requirements

Commercial setups typically demand equipment scaled to handle larger volumes and higher flow rates beyond typical residential sizing.

Stringent Process Water Standards

Industrial water use may need detailed compliance testing and tighter control of hardness and iron levels tailored to manufacturing or operational processes.

Sequence to Rule Out Issues Before Treatment Choice

Start with Basic Visual and Taste Checks

Look for reddish staining, metallic or bitter taste as signs of iron and hardness impact.

Obtain a Certified Laboratory Water Test

Confirm iron, calcium, and magnesium levels specific to your household water source to customize treatment needs accurately.

Exclude Other Potential Water Concerns

Ensure the problem is not related to sediment, pH imbalance, or microbial contamination before selecting a hard water and iron system.

This checklist guides the decision-making process for residents dealing with hard water and iron challenges in Whatcom County’s aquifer area. By understanding government-reported iron levels and differentiating this issue from others, households can make informed selections of the Fleck City Hard Water + Iron System to enhance water quality effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-09-21. 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 aquifer (Whatcom County): 45 results from 45 wells, median 26.5 ug/L, range 4.3-4980.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold