Pentair Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter

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Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Local Nitrate Sampling

In Cumberland County, ME, nitrate and nitrite levels in groundwater have been sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey from wells within aquifer 112GLCL. Between 2010 and 2017, 158 nitrite results were collected from 12 wells ranging from 22 to 127 feet deep. In this region, nitrite was detected in 38 results while 120 measurements were below the reporting limit, resulting in a median value of 0.0075 mg/L and a range from 0.001 to 0.303 mg/L.

These figures represent measurements from various wells, not from an individual household well, so they cannot determine your specific water quality. Notably, no result in this dataset exceeded federal limits, indicating that at this large area scale, groundwater nitrite remains well within regulatory thresholds.

Key Information to Note Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Before planning any nitrate treatment, it is crucial to obtain a current laboratory analysis for your own water supply, focusing on nitrate and nitrite concentrations. This ensures an accurate understanding of your household’s water chemistry and helps in selecting the appropriate treatment capacity and technology. Record details including sampling date, depth of the well, and whether the water source is private or part of a larger system, as these factors affect nitrate levels.

How Seasonal and Multi-Year Changes Appear in Cumberland County’s Nitrate Record

The sampling from 2010 to 2017 covers multiple years and seasons, providing a window into natural variation in nitrate levels. In Cumberland County aquifer 112GLCL, nitrite concentrations varied but stayed below any federal threshold during this period. This suggests stable conditions but also highlights that nitrate and nitrite levels can fluctuate due to natural groundwater movement, rainfall patterns, or land use changes. When evaluating your own water, consider testing at different times or after weather events to capture any potential variation.

Evaluating Treatment Capacity Against Household Water Usage

Choosing the right nitrate treatment system depends on matching the equipment’s capacity to your household’s daily water demand. Treatment designed for average residential usage should consider peak flow rates and total volume needed for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Upsizing beyond a household scale is necessary if multiple homes, guests, or seasonal variations increase water use. Ensuring the treatment system handles your maximum demand maintains water quality without performance loss.

Comparing Cumberland County’s Nitrate Data with Neighboring Areas

Groundwater nitrate levels can differ significantly between counties due to variations in geology, agriculture, and land development. When comparing Cumberland County data with adjacent counties, it is important to use equivalent sampling methods and time frames to avoid misleading conclusions. Local nitrate findings here show low median nitrite levels and no federal exceedances, but neighboring areas may have distinct patterns, so do not assume your water matches the regional record exactly.

Summary: Laboratory results from Cumberland County’s aquifer 112GLCL demonstrate generally low nitrite levels without exceeding federal limits, but individual household water should always be tested to confirm specific conditions. Considering your water use and seasonal changes helps in selecting suitable treatment capacity. For nitrate and nitrite concerns, the Pentair Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter system ships ready to configure for residential applications, providing a documented solution for managing these compounds efficiently.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-10-04. 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 Nitrite in the 112GLCL aquifer (Cumberland County): 158 results from 12 wells, median 0.0075 mg/L, range 0.001-0.303 mg/L; none above any federal threshold