If Your Lab Report Lists Total Dissolved Solids, What Does It Mean?
A typical groundwater test report for your well may include total dissolved solids (TDS) measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). TDS represents the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, including minerals, salts, and small amounts of metals. In Kane County’s aquifer 110QRNR, government sampling from three wells between 2010 and 2021 found TDS values ranging widely from 0.53 to 1690 mg/L, with a median of 414 mg/L.
This variability indicates that dissolved solids fluctuate in the local groundwater, but these figures come from area wells 24 to 38 feet deep—not from your specific well. A professional water test of your own well is necessary to determine your water’s actual TDS concentration.
If You Confuse High TDS with Other Water Issues
High TDS can be mistaken for problems such as hardness or specific metal contamination, yet it is a distinct measurement. While hardness relates to calcium and magnesium levels, TDS encompasses a broader range of dissolved materials. It also differs from microbiological contamination. In Kane County, the sampled wells detected TDS in all samples but did not test above health-based limits—only above a secondary aesthetic standard of 500 mg/L in some cases, which affects taste and staining but is not a safety concern.
If You Notice Appliances or Fixtures Affected First by Elevated TDS
Household fixtures and appliances that use water consistently—like water heaters, dishwashers, and coffee makers—often show effects when TDS is elevated. You might observe scale buildup or reduced efficiency because dissolved solids contribute to deposits inside pipes and equipment. These effects can worsen if your household’s water usage exceeds the capacity of older systems designed for lower demand.
If You Wonder How TDS Gets Into Kane County’s Groundwater
TDS in the 110QRNR aquifer results from natural geological formations dissolving minerals into the water over time. Rainwater percolates through soil and rock layers, carrying minerals into the groundwater. Human activity can sometimes influence these levels, but the government data reflects primarily natural sources in this area. The depth of sampled wells—24 to 38 feet—also matters, as shallower or deeper wells can show different TDS concentrations.
If Your Household Is Large or Seasonal and Water Demand Has Increased
When household water demand grows—due to family size or seasonal use—existing water treatment equipment might struggle to maintain water quality and flow. Systems not sized for higher volume may experience performance issues, such as diminished capacity to reduce dissolved solids effects or maintain consistent water pressure. For residents in Kane County relying on aquifer 110QRNR, this can mean noticeable changes in water clarity, taste, or appliance performance during peak use.
If You Upgrade to the Fleck Complete Well System, What Changes at Your Tap?
The Fleck Complete Well System, with a grain capacity of 32,000, is designed to handle increased water demand while addressing TDS-related problems commonly experienced in Kane County. This system uses proven technology to reduce the impact of dissolved solids, improving water taste, reducing staining, and protecting plumbing and appliances from scale buildup. It ships ready to configure, allowing households to replace or augment existing equipment that no longer keeps up.
After configuring this system, residents often find their water feels cleaner, flows more consistently, and their appliances operate more efficiently and last longer.
What You Should Not Conclude from Kane County Area Data Alone
While government sampling provides valuable insight into average and range values for Kane County’s aquifer 110QRNR, it does not specify the condition of any individual well. A detected TDS value above the aesthetic secondary standard does not indicate an unsafe or health-compromising condition—only that taste or staining may be affected. To fully understand your water quality and needs, testing your own well is essential before making decisions about treatment upgrades.
The Fleck Complete Well System is a documented solution for households experiencing increased water demand that existing equipment cannot meet, offering a reliable way to address high dissolved solids and related water quality concerns typical in this area.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-05-03. 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 110QRNR aquifer (Kane County): 23 results from 3 wells, median 414.0 mg/L, range 0.53-1690.0 mg/L; 10 above an AESTHETIC secondary standard only (secondary standard 500.0 mg/L (aesthetic)) - not a health finding
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