What does a laboratory test report for total dissolved solids in this aquifer list?
Laboratory results from groundwater wells in Elmore County's aquifer 112BRUN report total dissolved solids (TDS) as a concentration measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). The U.S. Geological Survey sampled nine wells ranging from 388 to 635 feet deep between April 2010 and April 2014, with 96 measurements overall. The median TDS value was approximately 53 mg/L, with a range from near zero to 979 mg/L. All samples detected TDS above the reporting threshold, indicating dissolved minerals are present to some degree. These values represent what was found in these area wells, not your individual well water, which requires separate testing.
How do well depth and source type affect expected water quality?
Wells in Elmore County's aquifer 112BRUN sampled for TDS ranged from 388 to 635 feet deep. Deeper wells often encounter different mineral content as groundwater interacts with various rock layers, which can increase or decrease TDS levels. The type of aquifer and its geological characteristics influence mineral dissolution into the water. Because your well's depth and specific location may differ, your water’s dissolved solids concentration can vary and should not be assumed from these general data. Testing your well water gives a precise measure of what you face.
What seasonal or multi-year changes appear in the TDS data?
The government samples span four years, showing a wide TDS range without a clear seasonal pattern. Some results exceeded the secondary aesthetic standard of 500 mg/L, a guideline related to taste and staining but not health risk. Variations over time can arise from changes in groundwater flow, recharge, or local conditions. Your well water may reflect similar fluctuations, so testing over time can help understand any seasonal effects specific to your well.
How do plumbing materials and system age influence TDS readings?
Dissolved solids measurements primarily represent source water quality before delivery to fixtures. However, plumbing components can interact with water, influencing taste, staining, or corrosion potential beyond what TDS alone indicates. For example, aged pipes may contribute metals or affect water chemistry differently than newer materials. These factors are separate from source water TDS and require inspection or specific testing to assess their impact on your water experience.
What information should I record before seeking treatment options?
Before evaluating water treatment for your well, note your well’s depth and age, sample dates if any, TDS concentrations from laboratory testing, and observations about taste, staining, or appliance performance. Documenting fixture types and areas most affected helps target treatment needs effectively. This information guides selecting appropriate equipment and understanding how to manage dissolved solids and related concerns.
Which water uses and appliances are first affected by elevated dissolved solids?
Higher TDS can affect appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers by leaving mineral deposits and scaling, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Water used for drinking and cooking may have altered taste. Plumbing fixtures may show staining or reduced flow over time. Addressing TDS helps protect equipment and improve water aesthetics.
Government sampling for Elmore County’s aquifer 112BRUN covers multiple wells between 388 and 635 feet deep, showing TDS present across all samples with some above the secondary aesthetic level. This record provides a regional overview, not a direct measure of your private well water. More detailed information is available from the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater monitoring site. For targeted management of dissolved solids in private well water, the Autotrol Complete Well System ships ready to configure and offers capacity suitable for typical residential needs with 32,000 grains. It provides a documented approach to improving water quality where TDS levels warrant treatment.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2014-04-25. 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 112BRUN aquifer (Elmore County): 96 results from 9 wells, median 53.165 mg/L, range 0.14-979.0 mg/L; 17 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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