Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter

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Interpreting Nitrate Test Results in Orange County Aquifer 100TRNS

Understanding Laboratory Concentration Reports

Water test reports for inorganic nitrogen compounds like nitrate and nitrite typically list concentrations in milligrams per liter (mg/L). For the Orange County 100TRNS aquifer, government sampling from six wells showed results ranging from 0.51 to 16.6 mg/L with a median value of 4.47 mg/L. All 48 samples detected nitrate or nitrite, indicating its presence is common in the aquifer.

Health-Based Concentration Thresholds

The federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L. Out of the 48 samples, 11 exceeded this health-based level, meaning that nitrate concentrations above this may pose health considerations if present in home water. However, these results reflect area averages and ranges, not individual household water.

Consequences of Long-Term Exposure Without Treatment

Potential Health Effects of Elevated Nitrate

Prolonged consumption of water with nitrate concentrations above the federal MCL can affect vulnerable populations, notably infants, by impairing oxygen transport in the blood. For the general population, moderate nitrate levels often show no immediate symptoms but should still be monitored.

Impact on Water Quality Attributes

Nitrate presence does not affect taste or color significantly, but high levels may indicate agricultural or septic system influence. Continued exposure without addressing nitrate can complicate water quality management.

How the Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter Reduces Nitrate Levels

Technology Overview

This treatment system uses a specialized ion exchange process designed to target nitrate and nitrite ions, effectively lowering their concentration in well water. The system ships ready to configure for home water lines requiring nitrate reduction.

Removal Mechanism

By exchanging nitrate ions with chloride or other non-harmful ions, the Fleck System reduces nitrate levels to safer ranges aligned with federal guidelines. It is designed specifically for residential use where nitrate is a concern.

Systematic Steps to Narrow Down Water Quality Concerns

Begin with Visual and Taste Checks

Notice any unusual taste or cloudiness in water; although nitrate is usually odorless and tasteless, changes in these attributes can indicate other issues to rule out first.

Review Well Depth and Local Sampling Data

The sampled wells ranged from 31 to 42 feet in depth, a factor that can affect nitrate presence. Comparing your well depth to this can help estimate likelihood but does not replace testing.

Obtain a Certified Laboratory Water Test

To confirm nitrate levels in your household water, a laboratory analysis focusing on inorganic nitrogen should be performed. This is the definitive step to guide treatment choice.

Comparing Orange County's Data with Neighboring Areas Carefully

Recognize Regional Variability and Sampling Limits

While adjacent counties may show different nitrate ranges, these differences reflect geography, land use, and aquifer properties. Use them as context rather than direct comparisons for your well.

Avoid Overinterpreting Area-Wide Results for Your Home

Government samples provide valuable background but are not individual water guarantees. Your actual nitrate level can only be known through direct testing.

Summary: This page has outlined how to understand area nitrate sampling results, the potential effects of untreated nitrate, how a specialized Fleck System works to reduce nitrate, and the logical testing steps to inform your treatment choice. Examining Orange County's 100TRNS aquifer data helps frame your water quality decisions but does not determine your home's water composition.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-03-27. 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 Inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and nitrite) in the 100TRNS aquifer (Orange County): 48 results from 6 wells, median 4.47 mg/L, range 0.51-16.6 mg/L; 11 above a health-based federal MCL (federal MCL 10.0 mg/L)