The U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling in Harrison County, MS, within aquifer 122PCGL, shows iron detected in 47 of 66 samples taken from 42 wells between 2010 and 2015. Detected iron concentrations ranged from 3.3 to 462.0 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a median level of 7.6 ug/L, and none exceeded any federal iron threshold. This record provides a basis for homeowners considering technical approaches to iron bacteria management.
1. What a Certified Laboratory Test for Iron Reports and How to Read It
A certified water test for iron typically reports iron concentration in micrograms per liter (ug/L), indicating the amount of dissolved iron in the water sample. It distinguishes between dissolved iron and total iron, which includes particulates. Since iron bacteria thrive on available iron, these results help identify if iron is present in a quantity that supports bacterial activity.
However, laboratory results from your household water sample are necessary to understand your specific well conditions. Regional data provide context but cannot replace individual testing for accurate treatment decisions.
2. How to Compare This Area's Record with a Neighboring County's Without Overreading It
The iron levels found in Harrison County's aquifer 122PCGL can be contrasted with nearby areas by looking at their respective sampling data. Differences in median and range values may reflect geological variability but do not predict your well's iron concentration. Avoid assuming the neighboring area's data applies to your water without actual testing.
Regional iron detections are natural and common; they inform awareness rather than indicate a problem unique to your household.
3. How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means
This data set includes 66 sample results from 42 wells with depths ranging from 433 to 1300 feet, collected over five years. This extensive sampling provides a strong regional picture but still may not capture well-to-well variations within the county. A smaller number of samples tends to limit confidence in representing broader trends, but this data's size helps reduce uncertainty.
Your household well may show different iron levels due to depth, local geology, and well construction, so individual testing is essential.
4. How the Constituent Enters Groundwater or the Distribution System in This Region
Iron in groundwater arises naturally from mineral deposits and soil composition interacting with water over time. In Harrison County's aquifer 122PCGL, iron enters the water mainly through dissolution of iron-bearing minerals. Iron bacteria utilize dissolved iron as an energy source, often forming biofilms or slime that affect water clarity and plumbing.
The presence of iron bacteria can cause staining and discoloration but is linked to naturally occurring iron rather than contamination events.
5. What the Reader Should Write Down Before Asking Anyone for Treatment Advice
- Your household water iron lab results, including units and testing date
- Observations of staining, discoloration, or slime in water fixtures
- Well depth and water source information if available
- Frequency and nature of any water quality changes you've noticed
- Existing water treatment equipment details, if any
Having this information on hand facilitates precise advice tailored to your water conditions and helps differentiate between technical treatment options for iron bacteria.
In summary, the Harrison County iron data offers valuable regional insight but does not substitute for testing your household water. Understanding these figures helps guide whether your water may benefit from treatment technologies such as the C-Series Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter, which ships ready to configure and addresses iron bacteria and associated slime effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-04-30. 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 Iron in the 122PCGL aquifer (Harrison County): 66 results from 42 wells, median 7.6 ug/L, range 3.3-462.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold