Nitrate in Creek County Groundwater: What Creek County Residents Should Know

Understanding Nitrate Sources in Creek County's Aquifer 110ALVM

Nitrate Originates Primarily from Agricultural Activities

In Creek County, nitrate in groundwater mainly comes from nitrogen-based fertilizers used in agriculture. These chemicals leach through the soil and enter the aquifer 110ALVM, the water-bearing formation sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey. Other sources can include septic system effluent and natural nitrogen cycling in soils.

Natural Processes Also Contribute Minor Nitrate Amounts

Microbial activity in soil and organic matter breakdown produce some nitrate naturally, but human-related sources typically drive elevated levels in this region's groundwater.

How Sampling Depth Affects Nitrate Concentrations Detected

Shallow Wells May Show Higher or More Variable Nitrate

The samples taken in Creek County ranged from 7 to 50 feet deep. Shallow wells often reflect more immediate surface influences like fertilizer application, which may increase nitrate presence compared to deeper wells.

Deeper Wells Typically Have Lower or More Stable Nitrate Levels

Groundwater from deeper sources usually experiences more natural filtration and dilution, often resulting in lower nitrate concentrations compared to shallow sources within the same aquifer.

Interpreting Detected, Median, and Range in Creek County’s Sampling

Detected Means Nitrate Was Measurable but Not Necessarily Elevated

Of 19 wells sampled in Creek County's aquifer 110ALVM, nitrate was detected in 5 wells. Detection simply indicates nitrate was measured above the reporting limit but does not imply a problem.

Median Indicates the Middle Value of Measured Concentrations

The median nitrate level was 0.087 mg/L, showing half the detected samples had levels below this, half above. This central tendency helps summarize nitrate presence without suggesting safety concerns.

Range Shows the Spread of Concentrations Found

Reported nitrate concentrations ranged from 0.041 to 0.845 mg/L across sampled wells. Even the highest level measured was below any federal health-based threshold, meaning no violations were observed in this regional sampling.

Household Signs That May or May Not Indicate Elevated Nitrate

Unlikely to Cause Taste or Odor Changes

Nitrate itself is tasteless and odorless at these levels. If you notice unusual taste or odor, those effects are more likely due to other substances not related to nitrate.

Infants and Certain Sensitive Groups Are Most Concerned About Nitrate

Nitrate can affect infant health if present above federal limits. Since Creek County samples show no exceedances, typical household concerns are minimal but testing your water is important to confirm.

Other Water Problems Do Not Signal Nitrate Issues

Discolored water, sediment, or mineral deposits point to other water quality conditions distinct from nitrate presence.

How Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter Addresses Nitrate

Specialized Filtration Reduces Inorganic Nitrogen Compounds

The Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter uses targeted filtration technology designed to reduce nitrate and nitrite from groundwater sources. It ships ready to configure for household water systems.

Compatible with Well Water and Private Systems

This system is suited to treating water from wells in regions like Creek County’s aquifer 110ALVM where nitrate is detected but within federally acceptable limits. It supports residential water quality management tailored to nitrate presence.

Summary of Creek County’s Nitrate Data and Recommendations

Government sampling in Creek County’s aquifer 110ALVM from 19 wells in late 2022 found nitrate detected in 5 wells at levels ranging 0.041 to 0.845 mg/L with a median of 0.087 mg/L. None exceeded federal nitrate thresholds. These data reflect regional groundwater conditions, not any individual water source. Testing your household water is essential to know your specific nitrate level. For water requiring nitrate reduction, the Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter provides a documented treatment option. Detailed data are available from the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring site.

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