Laboratory Results and What They Include
Nitrate is listed alongside nitrite in water test reports but reported separately
Reports show nitrate concentrations measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Results typically indicate detected levels or below reporting limits
Distinguishing Public Records from Private Well Testing
Government data for Navajo County reflect samples from aquifer 220NAVJ, not individual wells
Public system records provide area-wide trends but cannot specify your well’s nitrate level
Individual testing of your water source is required to determine household nitrate concentration
Comparing Navajo County Data with Neighboring Areas
Median nitrate measurements for this aquifer are low, with many samples below detection
Comparison with nearby counties requires similar sampling scope to avoid misinterpretation
Regional patterns help identify potential nitrate presence but do not predict specific well levels
Understanding What the Measurement Range Indicates
The 2010-2019 USGS dataset shows nitrate detected up to 0.02 mg/L, well below federal concern thresholds
Detection does not equate to health risk or violation of regulations
Low-level nitrate presence can emerge naturally or from agricultural influences but varies by location
Sample Size and Its Implications
Data are based on 80 samples from 14 wells at varying depths between 554 and 3737 feet
This sampling provides a broad regional picture but not exhaustive coverage of all groundwater zones
Limited well number means local variability may occur and personal testing remains crucial
Plumbing Factors Affecting Water Quality
Materials and age of household plumbing do not impact nitrate levels in water source
Plumbing can influence aesthetic qualities but nitrate is a source-water parameter
Treatment decisions based on source water testing are independent from plumbing condition
Considerations for Household Size and Usage Patterns
Larger households may require systems designed to handle higher water volumes
Secondary or seasonal residences might have different usage affecting treatment needs
Water testing remains the starting point regardless of household occupancy
Final Recommended Step
Order a certified laboratory analysis specifically testing nitrate concentration for your well or water supply. This test will confirm your household’s nitrate level and clarify whether nitrate-specific treatment is necessary. Should testing reveal nitrate near or above recommended guidelines, options like the C-Series Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter offer an effective approach to managing water quality concerns related to nitrate.
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 Nitrite in the 220NAVJ aquifer (Navajo County): 80 results from 14 wells, median 0.004 mg/L, range 0.001-0.02 mg/L; none above any federal threshold