Autotrol Iron + Hard Water (Well) System

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Age and Material of Plumbing: What They Add Beyond the Aquifer

When dealing with iron and hardness in your household water, it’s important to recognize that the plumbing system itself can influence water quality independently of the source. Older pipes or certain plumbing materials can contribute to iron presence or affect hardness perception through minor corrosion or scale buildup. These effects are distinct from the iron concentration originating in the aquifer supplying your well. Therefore, before looking solely at water source data, consider the condition and composition of your home’s plumbing.

Ruling Out Causes: From Simple Checks to Laboratory Testing

Your next steps should start with the most accessible options to narrow down the source of iron and hardness. Begin by checking visible signs such as staining on fixtures, water color changes, or scale deposits in pipes and appliances. If these signs are present, a basic water test kit can give initial information on hardness levels and iron presence. For a definitive understanding of your water’s iron concentration and hardness, sending a sample to a certified laboratory is essential. This testing helps tailor treatment solutions accurately to your water's characteristics.

Information to Record Before Seeking Treatment Recommendations

Before exploring water treatment products or technologies, gather key details: the depth of your well, any recent maintenance or changes in plumbing, observed water conditions, household water use patterns, and results from any testing you have conducted. This information helps clarify your water situation and supports more precise treatment advice. Without these details, treatment choices might not address your home's specific water quality challenges.

Size and Scope of Iron Data for De Witt County Aquifer 110QRNR

The available iron data for De Witt County’s 110QRNR aquifer comes from 11 samples taken across 10 separate wells, collected from May 2011 through August 2018. These wells were between 234 and 365 feet deep. The iron concentrations measured ranged from 1,130 to 2,790 micrograms per liter, with a median value of 1,660 micrograms per liter. None of these samples exceeded any federal regulatory thresholds. While this data indicates iron is commonly detected in the area’s groundwater, it does not describe any individual well’s condition and is not a measure of safety or violation.

Consequences of Leaving Iron and Hardness Untreated

Over time, untreated iron and hardness in water can cause gradual buildup of scale inside pipes and appliances, potentially reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Iron can cause reddish or brown staining on fixtures and laundry, affecting their appearance. Hardness, due to mineral content, may make soap less effective and lead to spotting on dishes. These impacts tend to increase slowly with continuous exposure and primarily affect maintenance and aesthetics rather than immediate health concerns.

The iron data referenced here reflects groundwater samples collected from multiple wells in the De Witt County 110QRNR aquifer area, as documented by the U.S. Geological Survey (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/400842089065701/). To address combined iron and hardness challenges informed by this regional data, the Autotrol Iron + Hard Water (Well) System offers a 32,000-grain capacity treatment option that ships ready to configure for household water conditions.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-08-01. 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 110QRNR aquifer (De Witt County): 11 results from 10 wells, median 1660.0 ug/L, range 1130.0-2790.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold