Step 1: Consider Plumbing Material and Age Before Assuming Source Issues
Many people first suspect their water source when noticing water quality concerns like nitrate presence. However, plumbing material and system age can influence water chemistry and readings. Corrosion or old piping could alter nitrate measurements or related compound levels. It is important to separate effects from household plumbing versus the actual groundwater before concluding the source water contains elevated nitrate.
Step 2: Interpreting the Median and Range of Nitrate Data for El Paso County
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 10 wells in the 111ALFP aquifer beneath El Paso County between 2010 and 2024. These wells, 42 to 120 feet deep, had nitrate concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.167 mg/L, with a median of 0.006 mg/L. Of 440 samples, nitrate was detected in 138, while 302 were below the reporting limit. Importantly, none of these results exceeded federal nitrate thresholds. This record provides a regional context but does not establish nitrate levels in any individual home’s water.
Step 3: How Pentair Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter Deals with Nitrate
Once a homeowner knows their own nitrate level through laboratory testing, they can consider treatment if needed. The Pentair Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter is designed to reduce or neutralize nitrate levels in well water. It employs filtration technology that targets nitrate and nitrite ions to improve water quality. This system ships ready to configure for residential use, allowing direct purchase and setup for effective nitrate management.
Step 4: Sample and Well Depth Affect Nitrate Expectations
Sampling depths in the El Paso County wells ranged from shallow to moderately deep (42 to 120 feet). Generally, nitrate levels can vary with well depth and source type; shallow wells might show higher nitrate due to surface contamination, while deeper aquifers may have different profiles. Understanding the depth of your well in relation to these samples helps anticipate potential nitrate concentration but requires personal testing for confirmation.
Step 5: Additional Considerations for Commercial and Industrial Water Users
Unlike household use, commercial and industrial operators often need larger volume treatment and rigorous monitoring for regulatory compliance. These users ask more detailed questions about flow rates, treatment capacity, and waste handling from nitrate filters. Households primarily focus on safe and palatable drinking water, typically addressing nitrate through singular point-of-entry treatment like the Pentair system.
In summary, this page guided you through understanding regional nitrate data, distinguishing plumbing effects, interpreting groundwater sample results, treatment options, and contextual differences based on well depth and usage. Testing your home water is essential before deciding on nitrate treatment solutions tailored to your household's needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-22. 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 111ALFP aquifer (El Paso County): 440 results from 10 wells, median 0.006 mg/L, range 0.001-0.167 mg/L; none above any federal threshold