Autotrol Complete Well System

Buy Now

View full details

Understanding Total Dissolved Solids Detection, Median, and Range in Atlantic County Groundwater

The U.S. Geological Survey collected 111 groundwater samples from 18 wells in Atlantic County's aquifer 121CKKD between 2010 and 2023. Of these samples, total dissolved solids (TDS) were detected in 94, while 17 were below the reporting limit. The median TDS concentration is 29.5 mg/L, while values range from as low as 0.03 mg/L to as high as 1180.0 mg/L.

It is important to note that these measurements describe what has been measured across multiple wells in the area, not any individual well. Detection means a measurable amount was recorded, not that the water is unsafe or in violation of standards. Some results were above the secondary standard of 500 mg/L, a threshold relating to taste and staining but not a health concern.

Interpreting Median and Range From the Area Aquifer Record as a Household Owner

As a homeowner, you can view the median TDS value as the middle ground of what has been recorded in local wells, with half the samples higher and half lower. The wide range shows that while many wells have low TDS levels, some have much higher concentrations. This variability means your well's water could differ substantially from the regional median.

The secondary standard exceeded in 5 samples signals that some area water may carry aesthetic effects like taste or staining. However, detecting higher TDS does not equate to unsafe water. Your own well water requires specific testing to know its exact characteristics.

Recognizing Seasonal and Multi-Year Variations in Atlantic County Groundwater TDS

The data pool spans over a decade, from April 2010 to August 2023, encompassing seasonal changes and multi-year trends. Variations in rainfall, water table depth, and aquifer recharge can influence TDS levels over time. The range measured across wells and years reflects these natural fluctuations.

This long-term sampling means the median and range represent a broad perspective rather than a snapshot. Understanding that TDS can change helps guide treatment decisions based on consistent monitoring rather than one-time readings.

Matching Treatment Capacity to Household Water Use for Managing TDS

When existing well treatment equipment cannot keep up with water demand, capacity becomes a critical factor. The Autotrol Complete Well System offers a grain capacity of 32,000, designed to handle greater loads associated with larger households or increased usage.

Evaluating your daily water consumption and peak usage is necessary to determine if treatment equipment meets your needs. Systems with higher capacity like the Autotrol system can better address aesthetic concerns caused by TDS at sufficient flow rates without frequent regeneration or capacity shortfalls.

Consequences of Prolonged Untreated Elevated TDS in Well Water

If TDS levels remain untreated over years and are elevated, homeowners may notice gradual impacts such as unpleasant taste or minor staining of fixtures. Over long periods, high TDS can contribute to scaling in appliances and plumbing components, potentially reducing efficiency.

These outcomes occur slowly and depend on the specific TDS concentration. Timely assessment and appropriate treatment capacity help mitigate such issues and maintain water quality for household use.

Clarifying What Regional TDS Data Does Not Reveal About Your Well Water

The U.S. Geological Survey data provides valuable insight into water quality variations across Atlantic County's aquifer 121CKKD but cannot specify your well's actual water quality. Individual test results from your well are essential to accurately understand your water's characteristics.

Do not assume detected TDS levels from area samples directly correspond to your water. Similarly, exceedance of the secondary standard in some samples reflects aesthetic guidelines rather than safety concerns. Proper evaluation and selection of treatment systems should be based on your well's tested data combined with knowledge of system capacities like those in the Autotrol Complete Well System, which ships ready to configure for enhanced treatment demands.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-08-02. 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 Total dissolved solids in the 121CKKD aquifer (Atlantic County): 111 results from 18 wells, median 29.5 mg/L, range 0.03-1180.0 mg/L; 5 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding