Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Pima County Fluoride Sampling
The recent U.S. Geological Survey groundwater tests show fluoride detected in every one of the 15 samples taken from 13 wells across the Pima County aquifer. Each sample indicated a measurable fluoride concentration—"detected" means the lab’s instruments found fluoride present, not that it is unsafe or exceeding any limit by itself. The median concentration was 0.63 mg/L, which is the middle value when the 15 results are ordered, with individual results spanning from as low as 0.15 mg/L to as high as 8.62 mg/L. This range captures variability across wells from depths of 37 to 687 feet, reflecting natural and geological factors in the aquifer but does not specify the fluoride concentration in any individual household’s water.
Assessing Treatment Capacity Relative to Household Water Usage
When your current system is unable to keep pace with fluoride in your household water, one key consideration is whether its treatment capability aligns with your daily water demand. The system must be sized and capable of processing the volume of water your household consumes, including peak usage times. If fluoride levels in your water are higher than the system’s rated capacity to reduce it effectively, fluoride may pass through untreated. Upgrading to a system designed for larger flow or higher fluoride load can match your household’s consumption and improve performance.
Additional Questions for Commercial or Industrial Operators
While this briefing focuses on residential needs in Pima County, commercial and industrial users should consider additional factors such as continuous high-volume water use, regulatory reporting requirements, and potential impacts on equipment from fluoride presence. These operators may need systems with higher throughput and specific certifications or may require periodic water quality documentation to comply with industry standards.
Interpreting Fluoride Levels Against Federal Standards
The federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L. Among the 15 samples in the Pima County aquifer, six exceeded this health-based threshold. This means these measurements were above the recommended level considered protective of health over a lifetime of consumption. However, these results reflect well water from the area aquifer, not your household water directly. Testing your own source is necessary to determine your individual fluoride concentration and risk level.
Observed Seasonal and Multiyear Variations in Fluoride Data
The groundwater samples were collected over an eight-year timespan from January 2016 to February 2024. The range of fluoride concentrations recorded includes both short-term and longer-term fluctuations influenced by seasonal recharge, groundwater flow changes, and natural mineral dissolution. Consistent monitoring of your personal water supply ensures awareness of any upward trends or seasonal peaks that may necessitate adjusting your treatment strategy.
How the C-Series Fluoride Filter Treats Fluoride in Household Water
The C-Series System employs a filter technology specifically designed to reduce fluoride concentration from water intended for household use. It functions by adsorbing fluoride ions chemically, lowering the concentration effectively when operated within its specifications. Because it ships ready to configure, the system can be adapted to meet the flow and fluoride removal needs of a typical residence, preventing fluoride from exceeding levels your current equipment can handle.
For households in Pima County relying on aquifer-sourced water, the C-Series Fluoride Filter offers a targeted solution when existing equipment struggles to maintain fluoride at desired levels.
To summarize, the U.S. Geological Survey’s sampling documents fluoride presence in the Pima County aquifer with concentrations varying widely across sampled wells. This record covers groundwater from 13 wells at depths between 37 and 687 feet, spanning January 2016 through February 2024. For full details, consult the government source at waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/321932111063601/.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-02-01. 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 Fluoride in the aquifer (Pima County): 15 results from 13 wells, median 0.63 mg/L, range 0.15-8.62 mg/L; 6 above a health-based federal MCL (federal MCL 4.0 mg/L)