Belief: A Lab Test Will Always Show the Exact Nitrate Level in My Household Water
A common assumption is that a single certified laboratory result directly reflects the nitrate concentration in your home's water at all times. In reality, a lab test provides a snapshot of one water sample taken at a specific moment from your household water. Government data from 40 samples across 14 wells in Navajo County's aquifer 220NAVJ showed nitrate and nitrite detected in 33 cases, with concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 4.72 mg/L and a median of 0.961 mg/L. However, these figures represent an area-wide range, not your individual water. To confirm your home's nitrate levels, your water should be tested separately by a certified laboratory under established procedures.
Belief: Plumbing Materials and Age Affect Nitrate Levels in My Tap Water
While plumbing components can influence certain water qualities, nitrate presence primarily originates from the source water itself rather than from household pipes or fixtures. Materials and pipe age do not generate or remove nitrate; they can affect other aspects like corrosion or taste but do not cause nitrate concentrations to change significantly. Therefore, if nitrate is detected, it reflects its occurrence in the aquifer or supply, not your plumbing.
Belief: Public System Records Provide the Same Information as Private Well Testing
Public water systems monitor and report nitrate levels regularly to comply with federal standards, but these reports cover system-wide averages rather than individual home water. Private wells, such as those in Navajo County's aquifer 220NAVJ, vary widely by depth and location. The US Geological Survey's groundwater sampling from 2010 to 2019 shows no results exceeding federal nitrate thresholds in this aquifer. However, only private testing can reveal the nitrate concentration at your household's specific water source.
Belief: Untreated Nitrate Contamination Causes Immediately Noticeable Problems
Nitrate itself is tasteless and odorless, so its presence typically goes unnoticed without testing. Long-term exposure to elevated nitrate levels can have health implications, especially for infants and pregnant women, but Navajo County's aquifer data shows all samples well below federal action levels. Still, relying on no treatment after equipment failure may allow nitrate concentrations to persist or increase if source conditions change, making monitoring important.
Belief: Treated Water Will Taste or Look Different After Nitrate Filtration
When a certified nitrate removal system like the C-Series Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter is employed, the primary change you may observe is confidence in reduced nitrate content. The filtration process does not typically alter taste, odor, or water clarity noticeably, as it specifically targets nitrate and nitrite ions. This system ships ready to configure for household use and can restore water quality control following equipment failure.
Belief: All Household Fixtures Are Equally Affected by Nitrate in Water
Nitrate presence impacts water used for drinking and cooking most directly. Fixtures like kitchen faucets and ice makers are therefore prioritized for treatment. Other uses, such as irrigation or laundry, may be less critical for nitrate concerns but still benefit from overall water quality improvements. Understanding which appliances use water for consumption helps decide where treatment focus is most needed.
In summary, nitrate measurements in Navajo County's aquifer 220NAVJ show variable but low concentrations below federal thresholds. A certified lab test of your own water is essential to assess your home's situation, separate from general regional data. After failure of existing treatment equipment, employing the C-Series Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter offers a practical way to manage nitrate in household water effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-08-23. 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 220NAVJ aquifer (Navajo County): 40 results from 14 wells, median 0.961 mg/L, range 0.02-4.72 mg/L; none above any federal threshold