Interpreting Nitrate Measurements Against Federal Standards
Median and Range Values from Area Wells
Sampling by the U.S. Geological Survey of 18 wells in Bernalillo County's aquifer 112SNTF reported nitrite concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.146 mg/L, with a median of 0.0055 mg/L.
No Exceedances of Federal Limits in Area Sampling
None of these results surpassed federal nitrate or nitrite standards. Detected levels represent only measured concentrations, not violations or health risks.
What This Data Does Not Reveal About Individual Wells
This area data cannot define the specific nitrate content of your household water. Only direct testing of your well or source water can provide that information.
Distinguishing Nitrate from Related Water Quality Concerns
Difference Between Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) are related but chemically distinct. This sampling measured nitrite, which often indicates early nitrogen compound presence and can convert into nitrate.
How Nitrate Impacts Water Use
High nitrate levels can affect taste and, in some cases, health, especially for infants. Nitrite, similarly, can influence water quality but at lower concentrations in this area.
Common Confusions with Other Water Issues
Nitrate concerns are often mistaken for issues with hardness or microbial contamination, which require different treatment approaches.
Using Area Data as a Homeowner: Understanding Median and Range
Median Value as Typical Concentration Indicator
The median nitrite value of 0.0055 mg/L suggests that half of sampled wells had concentrations below this level, which is well within safe operational thresholds.
Range Includes Variability Across Wells
Concentrations vary up to 0.146 mg/L, reflecting natural variability but remaining below federal maximum contaminant levels.
Implications for Household Water Quality
Your well may have different levels; this range helps contextualize possible values but does not replace individual testing.
Influence of Sampling and Well Depths
Variation by Well Depth
Samples came from wells 150 to 1723 feet deep, showing that depth influences but does not solely determine nitrate presence.
Sample Source Type Considerations
Groundwater from varying depths and locations exhibits differing nitrite levels; surface water or shallower wells may differ substantially.
Preparing for Treatment Consultation: Key Information to Record
Well Depth and Usage Details
Note the depth of your well and average daily water use to help assess treatment needs accurately.
Current Water Treatment Equipment Performance
Document how your existing system handles nitrate, including any signs of declining effectiveness under increased demand.
Recent Water Test Results
Have recent nitrate or nitrite lab results available to guide treatment decisions.
Matching Treatment Capacity to Household Demand
Estimate Daily Water Consumption
Compare treatment system flow and capacity specs to your household’s daily water usage to ensure adequate removal of nitrates and nitrites.
Recognizing System Limitations
Your existing equipment may have operational thresholds; exceeding these can reduce treatment effectiveness.
Considering the Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter
This system ships ready to configure for homes needing reliable nitrate and nitrite reduction aligned with their water use.
Next Steps: Testing to Confirm Household Nitrate Levels
Order a certified laboratory test of your well water for nitrate and nitrite concentrations. A result within federal limits indicates routine monitoring, while a higher result guides treatment decisions.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-02-09. 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 112SNTF aquifer (Bernalillo County): 172 results from 18 wells, median 0.0055 mg/L, range 0.001-0.146 mg/L; none above any federal threshold