Sampling Depth and Sample Size Considerations
Government data is from 8 wells sampled between 2017 and 2025
These wells in Mason County tapped aquifer 110QRNR at depths of 7 to 30 feet. Sampling across 80 tests from these wells shows a wide range of inorganic nitrogen, focusing on nitrate and nitrite combined.
Not every well was above health-based thresholds
Out of 80 results, 54 detected nitrate and nitrite at measurable levels, while 26 were below the reporting limit. Notably, 32 results exceeded the federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10.0 mg/L, a health-based guideline indicative of potential concern in some area wells but not necessarily for every household.
Small number of wells limits complete certainty
The dataset represents a snapshot of several wells, not all sources in Mason County. Variability means individual testing for your well remains essential to know your specific water conditions.
Assessing Treatment Capacity Relative to Household Needs
Treatment must match your household's daily water use
Deciding on the class of nitrate treatment depends on how much water your family uses each day. Higher volume needs call for systems capable of handling larger flow without compromising nitrate removal efficiency.
Evaluate treatment product specifications carefully
While this page does not provide numbers for the Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter’s capacity, understanding how such equipment aligns with daily demand is critical for sustained performance and water quality management.
Plumbing Materials and Age Influence Water Quality Independently
Source water nitrate is separate from plumbing-related issues
Metal pipes, older plumbing, or certain materials might affect water taste, appearance, or additional contamination risks. These factors do not alter nitrate concentrations measured in well or aquifer source samples but can impact overall aesthetic quality or other contaminants.
Testing source water and plumbing water individually is important
To isolate nitrate presence, sampling the water directly from its source well can help determine treatment needs aside from plumbing effects.
Maintenance Expectations for Nitrate Treatment Systems
Fleck nitrate treatment systems ship ready to configure for household use
These systems are designed for straightforward readiness. Periodic maintenance involves checking filter media condition and system operation to ensure consistent nitrate removal.
Routine checks support treatment longevity
Staying attentive to system performance and water testing results over time ensures ongoing effectiveness and timely media replacement or regeneration procedures.
Pre-Treatment Information to Record Before Seeking Advice
Document your well’s water test results and well details
Obtain laboratory nitrate and nitrite concentration results from your specific well water. Also note your well’s depth and any previous water quality observations.
Understand local government sampling data
Use Mason County’s aquifer 110QRNR nitrate concentration ranges as a reference point, but do not substitute them for your well’s individual test.
Final Step: Confirm Your Water’s Nitrate Concentration
Order a certified laboratory test analyzing nitrate and nitrite levels in your household water supply. If results show levels above the federal MCL of 10.0 mg/L, exploring a tailored treatment solution like the Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter can help address your specific needs reliably.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-07-30. 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 110QRNR aquifer (Mason County): 80 results from 8 wells, median 12.4 mg/L, range 0.2-22.7 mg/L; 32 above a health-based federal MCL (federal MCL 10.0 mg/L)