Government sampling in Suffolk City County's aquifer 217PTMC shows iron was detected in all 27 water samples from six wells, with concentrations ranging from 32.2 to 6420.0 micrograms per liter (ug/L) and a median of 106.0 ug/L. None of these results exceed federal safety thresholds. This data provides a regional perspective but does not reflect the specific condition of any individual household's well water.
How many samples and wells stand behind the figures, and what a small sample means?
The iron data comes from 27 samples collected between 2010 and 2025 from six wells located at depths ranging from 500 to 1775 feet within Suffolk City's aquifer 217PTMC. While this sample size offers a reasonable regional snapshot, it is limited and cannot predict iron levels or iron bacteria presence in a single household's water supply. Variability in local geology and well construction means individual testing is necessary for detailed water quality information.
How does treated water differ at the tap once the documented technology is in place?
Water treated by the Fleck Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter typically shows reduced cloudiness and fewer deposits associated with iron bacteria presence. This system targets iron bacteria and slime formed from iron compounds by filtering and controlling microbial growth, improving water clarity and reducing staining on fixtures. Although its effect on taste and odor can be positive, these improvements depend on the household's specific water chemistry.
What does a certified laboratory test for this constituent report and how to read it?
A certified laboratory test for iron reports the concentration of iron in micrograms per liter (ug/L) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Results include the detected iron concentration without implying a violation. Reading the test requires understanding that detection indicates measurable iron but does not mean the water is unsafe. Such tests provide the factual basis for treatment decisions.
How do public-system records differ from private-well testing in what they establish?
Public water system records, such as those from the U.S. Geological Survey for Suffolk City's aquifer 217PTMC, provide broad-area water quality data but do not describe individual wells. Private-well testing reveals the specific water quality in a household’s supply, capturing localized variations in iron and iron bacteria levels. Therefore, homeowners should rely on their own well test results for treatment consideration.
What do 'detected', 'median', and 'range' mean in the sampling record on this page?
- Detected means iron was measured in every sample but does not imply a problem or violation.
- Median indicates the middle value of iron concentrations, here 106.0 ug/L, showing typical levels in the sampled wells.
- Range shows the variation in measured iron, from the lowest (32.2 ug/L) to the highest (6420.0 ug/L), reflecting natural fluctuations across wells.
What household or facility symptoms do and do not point to this problem?
Symptoms that may indicate iron bacteria presence include reddish-brown stains on plumbing fixtures, slime buildup in pipes, and a metallic taste in water. However, these signs alone do not confirm iron bacteria, since other minerals or conditions can cause similar effects. Symptoms such as water discoloration during certain seasons or after well servicing also relate to iron bacteria growth.
Signs like foul odors unrelated to iron or biological contamination, or water clarity issues caused by unrelated sediments, do not necessarily point to iron bacteria.
Deciding between technical approaches to iron bacteria treatment involves understanding local data, testing your own well, and considering how well each method addresses the specific symptoms and water quality. The Fleck Iron Bacteria & Slime Filter offers a documented method to reduce iron bacteria and improve water clarity, shipping ready to configure for household use.
By reviewing government sampling, recognizing what individual testing reveals, and evaluating system performance, homeowners in Suffolk City can make informed choices about managing iron bacteria in their water supply.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-04-01. 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 Iron in the 217PTMC aquifer (Suffolk city County): 27 results from 6 wells, median 106.0 ug/L, range 32.2-6420.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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