1. Recognizing Depth and Source Impact on Nitrate Expectations
The aquifer 112DFSF supplies groundwater in the Connecticut area identified as FIPS 140. Water drawn from this source typically comes from wells ranging 32 to 75 feet deep. Nitrate concentrations can vary across depths and well locations, so understanding that measurements from one well or depth may not represent all sources is important. Deeper wells might encounter different nitrate levels compared to shallower ones.
2. Distinguishing Between Health-Based Limits and Aesthetic Considerations for Nitrate
Nitrate is monitored both for health-based thresholds and for secondary aesthetic standards like taste or staining potential. The federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is 10.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is set for health reasons. Aesthetic secondary standards address water quality aspects that affect comfort or household fixtures but are not health risks. Knowing this difference helps households prioritize testing and treatment based on concerns.
3. Contrasting Public Water System Records and Private Well Water Testing
Public water systems have ongoing monitoring and public records that show compliance with federal limits, but these records do not apply to private wells. Private well owners in aquifer 112DFSF need their own water tests to understand specific nitrate levels because government sampling reflects general area conditions but not individual wells. This individualized knowledge is essential for tailoring treatment and ensuring safety.
4. Clarifying Terms: What 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Represent in Area Sampling
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled four wells in this area from 2011 to 2017, returning 10 nitrate results. All detected nitrate, with none below the reporting limit. Median nitrate was 10.225 mg/L, meaning half the samples were above and half below this value. The range spanned from 1.71 mg/L to 67.2 mg/L, showing notable variability. 'Detected' means nitrate was measured, not necessarily that levels were unsafe or exceeded a limit.
5. Understanding Sample Size and Variability in Regional Nitrate Data
These 10 samples from four distinct wells provide a limited snapshot of nitrate conditions in aquifer 112DFSF. The small number of wells and samples means local nitrate levels can differ significantly within the aquifer and between individual household wells. This highlights the importance of specific testing for any given household’s water supply to determine actual nitrate levels.
What This Data Does Not Say About Your Well Water
While government sampling reveals important information about nitrate presence in aquifer 112DFSF, it does not confirm your household water’s nitrate concentration. No sample in this data set establishes whether your well is above or below any health threshold. To understand your water's nitrate condition, a private laboratory test is necessary. If existing equipment struggles to maintain nitrate reduction, the C-Series Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to address such challenges by providing reliable treatment tailored for residential wells.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-09-07. 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 Nitrate in the 112DFSF aquifer (FIPS 140): 10 results from 4 wells, median 10.225 mg/L, range 1.71-67.2 mg/L; 5 above a health-based federal MCL (federal MCL 10.0 mg/L)