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What does the government sampling data tell me about iron in York County's bedrock aquifer?

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in York County, Maine, focusing on the bedrock aquifer. Six separate wells between 104 and 365 feet deep were sampled between August and October 2011. Iron was detected in all six samples, with concentrations ranging from 3.9 to 2,180 micrograms per liter and a median value of 26.7 micrograms per liter. None of these results exceeded any federal thresholds, indicating that iron was present but within limits set for safety and health.

How might a homeowner interpret the median and range of iron concentrations shown in these samples?

The median value represents the middle point of all sample measurements and suggests that iron levels in York County bedrock wells often approach 27 micrograms per liter. However, the wide range—from under 4 up to over 2,000 micrograms per liter—demonstrates variability among different wells. As a homeowner, this means your own water may have iron concentrations closer to the lower or higher end of this spectrum. To know your home's specific water quality, testing your water directly is essential.

What additional water quality questions do commercial or industrial users need to consider compared to residential households?

While residential users focus mainly on household effects like staining or taste, commercial and industrial operators may require detailed information about iron concentrations related to process water needs or equipment maintenance. They often consider iron concentration consistency over time and spatial distribution to manage system performance. This level of data is beyond typical household concerns but important for larger-scale water use scenarios.

How reliable are the six sampled wells for representing iron in York County's aquifer bedrock?

Six samples provide a limited snapshot of the iron levels across the entire York County bedrock aquifer. The data were collected from different wells with varying depths, which can influence iron concentrations. While these results offer helpful insights into regional water quality trends, they cannot define the exact condition of any individual well. A small sample size means there may be other wells with different iron concentrations not captured here.

How can I distinguish iron and rust issues from other common water problems?

Iron in water commonly causes reddish or brown staining on fixtures and laundry, metallic tastes, and occasional sediment accumulation. It can be confused with manganese, which can produce darker stains, or general sediment issues that may cloud water but lack staining properties. Testing for iron specifically helps to confirm if iron is the main cause of discoloration or taste concerns in your home water.

What do terms like 'detected', 'median', and 'range' mean in the context of these water quality samples?

'Detected' means that the sampling equipment measured iron at some level in all six wells. It does not imply a health violation or unsafe condition. The 'median' is the middle value when all sample results are ordered, providing a typical concentration level. The 'range' shows the spread from the lowest to highest measured values, indicating variation across wells. These terms help describe water quality patterns without assigning safety judgments.

What should I not conclude from the regional iron data about my household water?

While government sampling gives valuable insights into general iron levels in York County's bedrock aquifer, it does not replace testing your own water. You cannot assume your water contains the median or any specific concentration reported here. Moreover, detection of iron does not mean your water is unsafe or violates any standards. Understanding your water’s unique characteristics requires direct analysis. If iron or rust stains are a concern, the Pentair Orange Iron & Rust Stains Filter ships ready to configure and is designed for residential use to address such issues effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-25. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (York County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 26.7 ug/L, range 3.9-2180.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold