Understanding the Meaning of Detected, Median, and Range in Nitrate Sampling
Detected Nitrate Means Presence but Not a Safety Issue
In Creek County’s aquifer 110ALVM, inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and nitrite) was detected in 5 of 19 samples taken from separate wells. Detection indicates that instruments measured nitrate presence, but it does not imply a violation or unsafe level.
Median Shows Typical Value Among Measured Wells
The median concentration of nitrate across the 19 sampled wells was 0.087 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This median represents the middle value when ordering all samples and suggests a general concentration level for the area under study, though not for individual wells.
Range Captures Lowest to Highest Recorded Values
Among sampled wells 7 to 50 feet deep, nitrate values ranged from 0.041 to 0.845 mg/L. This spread shows variability within the aquifer but does not identify any measurement exceeding federal thresholds.
Sample Size and Limitations of Area-Based Nitrate Data
Data Reflects 19 Separate Wells Over One Month in 2022
These figures come from 19 groundwater samples collected between October 10 and November 3, 2022. Although useful for regional overview, this limited number cannot capture all local variations in nitrate levels.
Small Sample Size Means Individual Well Testing Is Needed
Because nitrate concentrations can vary significantly even nearby, household water quality cannot be confirmed by area data alone. Testing your own well water is essential to determine your home’s actual nitrate content.
Additional Questions for Commercial or Industrial Water Users
Larger Volume and Process Needs Affect Nitrate Considerations
Commercial and industrial users may require detailed analyses of nitrate fluctuations and potential regulatory impacts, which are beyond household water concerns and area sampling summaries.
Compliance and Monitoring Protocols Differ from Residential Use
Businesses typically follow stricter water quality monitoring and reporting protocols, necessitating comprehensive water testing beyond basic nitrate detection.
Differences Between Public System Records and Private Well Testing
Public Systems Have Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting
Municipal water providers regularly test and report nitrate levels to comply with federal standards. Typically, records show no health-based violations in Creek County’s public systems related to nitrate.
Private Wells Lack Continuous Regulation or Reporting
Private well owners bear responsibility for testing their water quality. Area data offers background but never substitutes for direct well water analysis.
Impact of Plumbing Materials and System Age on Water Quality
Plumbing Components Do Not Affect Nitrate Levels
Nitrate concentration is determined by source water characteristics, not by pipes or plumbing fixtures. Thus, nitrate in tap water reflects aquifer conditions more than household plumbing.
Older Plumbing May Bring Other Issues but Not Nitrate
While aging pipes can contribute to other contaminants, they do not produce or influence nitrate levels measured in household water.
Addressing Household Nitrate Concerns in Creek County
If your household water tests show nitrate levels of concern, the C-Series Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter ships ready to configure. This system targets inorganic nitrogen compounds effectively when matched to your measured demand, providing a tailored water treatment solution for residential nitrate reduction needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2022-11-03. 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 110ALVM aquifer (Creek County): 19 results from 19 wells, median 0.087 mg/L, range 0.041-0.845 mg/L; none above any federal threshold