What 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' mean in the sampling record on this page
Detected means nickel was measured in every tested well sample; no measurements were below detection limits
Median represents the middle value of measured nickel concentrations across samples, here 0.5 micrograms per liter
Range shows the lowest and highest values recorded, from 0.26 to 1.4 micrograms per liter
How many samples and wells stand behind the figures, and what a small sample means
Eleven samples were taken from five separate wells over 13 years, showing consistent presence of nickel
Wells tested were between 13 and 40 feet deep, covering a range of typical residential groundwater depths
With only five wells, the data reflects limited but repeated measurements in this aquifer area, not comprehensive coverage
What distinguishes this problem from the two problems most often confused with it
Nickel is a heavy metal but is chemically distinct from iron and manganese, which cause discoloration and staining rather than metal taste concerns
Unlike hardness minerals, nickel presence does not cause scaling but is monitored for potential metal exposure
Nickel's source is natural groundwater composition, not corrosion of plumbing or surface contamination alone
A worked example: reading the record's median and range as a homeowner would
The median nickel level of 0.5 micrograms per liter means half the sampled water was above and half below this value
A range from 0.26 to 1.4 micrograms per liter means variations exist among wells but remain well below federal health-based thresholds
This suggests typical water from this county’s aquifer is unlikely to exceed regulatory safety limits for nickel
The role of plumbing material and age, separate from the source water
Nickel can leach from certain plumbing materials, affecting water quality independently of groundwater nickel levels
Older fixtures or nickel alloys increase the potential for added nickel contributions not reflected in source sampling
Testing household water directly is necessary to distinguish between source water nickel and plumbing-related nickel
How sample depth, well depth or source type changes what a reader should expect
Shallow wells in this aquifer showed consistent nickel detection, but deeper wells may have different concentrations
Groundwater from the 112CLMB aquifer is the basis for the sampling data; other aquifers or surface water sources can differ
Knowing your water source and its depth helps tailor water treatment choices accurately
Choosing the right treatment option for nickel in household water
If testing of your household water reveals nickel concentrations warranting treatment, the C-Series Heavy Metals Filter ships ready to configure for residential use. This system is designed to reduce heavy metals including nickel, providing a targeted approach based on your test results.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-21. 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 Nickel in the 112CLMB aquifer (Accomack County): 11 results from 5 wells, median 0.5 ug/L, range 0.26-1.4 ug/L; none above any federal threshold