Autotrol Iron + Hard Water (Well) System

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Sampling Background: Number of Wells and Sample Size

12 Separate Wells Sampled

Government data from the U.S. Geological Survey includes 12 water samples collected from 12 different wells in Otero County's aquifer 111ALVM in early 2018. These wells ranged in depth from 12 to 62 feet.

Limited Sample Size Suggests Variation

Because this data represents just a dozen wells within the aquifer, it provides an overview of the area but cannot define conditions for any single household well.

Differentiating Iron and Hardness from Similar Water Concerns

Iron Versus Other Discoloration Causes

Iron in water can cause reddish or brown staining and a metallic taste, but these effects differ from those caused by other minerals or organic materials that might also tint or cloud water.

Hardness Identified by Scale Buildup

Hardness primarily refers to elevated calcium and magnesium causing scale deposits, which is a distinct issue from iron staining though the two often occur together.

Interpreting Measured Iron Levels and Federal Standards

Detected Iron Ranges Widely

The 12 samples showed iron levels ranging from 24.0 to 11,300 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a median of 62.5 ug/L. Iron was detected in half the samples, with the remainder below the reporting limit.

All Results Fall Within Federal Health Thresholds

No sample in this data set exceeded any federal iron concentration limit intended for health protection. Detection does not equate to a violation or unsafe water.

Household Fixtures and Processes Most Impacted

Appliance and Fixture Staining

Iron in water can cause reddish stains on sinks, toilets, and laundry. These signs often appear before other symptoms.

Water Heating and Hardness Effects

Hardness leads to scale buildup inside water heaters and on plumbing fixtures, reducing efficiency and lifespan over time.

Sources of Iron and Hardness in Otero County Groundwater

Natural Geological Contributions

Iron presence in this aquifer derives from natural erosion and dissolution of iron-containing minerals in rocks and soil.

Groundwater Hardness Linked to Mineral Content

Calcium and magnesium in the geological formations contribute to hardness, common in regional groundwater.

In summary, the available government sampling data for Otero County's aquifer offers a limited but informative picture of iron and hardness presence, showing no exceedance of federal health standards. To understand your household's water quality precisely, individual testing is necessary. For managing these issues, products like the Autotrol Iron + Hard Water System with a 32,000 grain capacity ship ready to configure and can address area iron and hardness effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-03-06. 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 111ALVM aquifer (Otero County): 12 results from 12 wells, median 62.5 ug/L, range 24.0-11300.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold