Pentair Heavy Metals Filter

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All Selenium Detections Are Above Federal Safety Levels

The U.S. Geological Survey has sampled 13 wells in Richmond County's aquifer 211MDVL, measuring selenium concentrations over a 15-year span. Results from 101 samples show a median selenium level of 0.07 micrograms per liter and a range from 0.03 to 0.91 micrograms per liter. Importantly, none of these measurements exceed any federal health-based thresholds. This means the sampled water sources in the area do not demonstrate a violation of regulatory safety levels for selenium. However, these figures represent regional data and do not reveal the specific selenium concentration in your household's water without an individual test.

Selenium Levels Depend on More Than Just the Water Source

While selenium originates in the groundwater aquifer, household plumbing can also affect metal concentrations in tap water. Older pipes or certain plumbing materials may contribute additional metals independent of source water quality. Therefore, addressing heavy metal concerns requires considering both the groundwater characteristics and the age and composition of household water lines. Plumbing-related factors can sometimes be responsible for metal presence even when source water sampling suggests low regional concentrations.

Public Water System Records Differ from Private Well Testing Insights

Municipal water systems in Richmond County typically provide annual water quality reports reflecting compliance with federal regulations. These reports summarize contamination levels, including metals like selenium, on a system-wide basis. However, private well owners must rely on individual testing to determine their water quality, as regional samples do not measure each private source. Public records establish generalized water quality expectations but cannot substitute for well-specific data critical for treatment decisions at a household level.

Certified Laboratory Testing Quantifies Selenium and Guides Treatment

To know the actual selenium concentration in your household water, a certified lab test is necessary. Such analysis reports selenium levels in micrograms per liter, allowing you to assess if treatment is needed based on recognized standards. Reading your test result involves comparing your selenium measurement to federal guidelines and considering regional data as context. This individualized information directs which class of water treatment effectively targets heavy metals in your supply.

Regional Selenium Data Comparison Requires Careful Interpretation

Comparing selenium levels between Richmond County and a neighboring county using their respective government sampling data requires awareness of differing aquifers, geology, and sampling periods. Slightly higher or lower regional readings do not guarantee a similar condition in your household water. These differences underscore the importance of site-specific testing before making treatment decisions, rather than relying solely on area-wide summaries.

This Heavy Metal Concern Differs from Iron or Manganese Problems

Selenium, as a heavy metal in water, presents distinct issues unlike more visible metals such as iron or manganese that commonly cause staining or taste changes. Selenium typically occurs at much lower concentrations and is measured primarily through laboratory analysis rather than sensory detection. Treatment for selenium focuses on specialized filtration technologies designed to target heavy metals broadly, not just those causing aesthetic concerns.

For households in Richmond County measuring selenium at levels that warrant action, the Pentair Heavy Metals Filter offers a documented solution. This system ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce heavy metals effectively based on your specific water test results.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-07-10. 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 Selenium in the 211MDVL aquifer (Richmond County): 101 results from 13 wells, median 0.07 ug/L, range 0.03-0.91 ug/L; none above any federal threshold