Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter

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What 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled six wells in Pottawatomie County tapping the N300CNRLOK aquifer between August 2011 and March 2013. Iron was detected in four of these wells, with concentrations ranging from 4.5 to 8.2 micrograms per liter (µg/L). The median concentration value was 6.5 µg/L. Two wells showed iron levels below the reporting limit, indicating measurements too low for detection by their methods. These figures represent area-wide measurements from wells 90 to 260 feet deep and do not reflect any individual household's water.

How Iron Enters Groundwater in Pottawatomie County

Iron occurs naturally in many aquifers, including N300CNRLOK, due to the surrounding geological formations. It typically dissolves into groundwater as it moves through iron-rich soil and rock layers. Iron bacteria thrive in environments where this iron is present, feeding on the iron and producing slime and deposits in pipes and equipment. This biological activity can cause discoloration, staining, or buildup that impairs water quality.

What the Measured Range Indicates Compared to Federal Standards, and What It Does Not Indicate

All measured iron levels in these samples were below any federal thresholds established for iron in drinking water. Iron detections do not indicate a violation or unsafe condition per federal standards. Instead, iron is regulated mainly for aesthetic reasons, such as taste, staining, or corrosion concerns. The presence of iron bacteria is common where iron is present, but detection of iron alone does not confirm an active bacteria problem in any particular household water supply.

How Public-System Records Differ from Private Well Testing in Establishing Water Conditions

The USGS data reflects samples from various wells across the aquifer area, providing a general picture of groundwater iron levels. However, these area-wide results cannot substitute for testing a private well or household water, which is necessary to understand the specific water quality on-site. Private testing will clarify if iron bacteria or other constituents are present in concentrations that impact that household's water quality or require treatment measures.

How to Judge Treatment Capacity Against Household Daily Water Use

When iron bacteria issues are confirmed through private water testing, households should consider treatment solutions matched to their water demand. The Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter ships ready to configure to manage iron bacteria and slime accumulation, helping protect plumbing and improve water clarity. Evaluating the volume of daily water use in the household will determine what treatment capacity is appropriate, ensuring effective operation without over- or under-sizing the system.

In summary, the USGS sampling of six wells from Pottawatomie County’s N300CNRLOK aquifer found iron present at low levels that are common in many groundwater sources and below any federal standard for drinking water safety. These results describe area conditions from wells 90 to 260 feet deep and do not specify water quality at any individual home. Private well testing is recommended to identify actual iron bacteria presence for treatment decisions. For confirmed iron bacteria issues, the Autotrol Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter offers a documented technology to address these water challenges. Detailed government data is available at the U.S. Geological Survey’s water data site for Pottawatomie County.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-03-26. 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 N300CNRLOK aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 6.5 ug/L, range 4.5-8.2 ug/L; none above any federal threshold