Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter

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1. Overview of Sample Size and Well Distribution in Sedgwick County

Government data from the U.S. Geological Survey includes 552 nitrite measurements taken from 27 wells in Sedgwick County’s aquifer 112PLSC. These wells range in depth from 25 to 248 feet, offering a broad view of groundwater quality in the area but not individual household water sources. The size of this sample helps establish a regional understanding, though it cannot specify the nitrate content of any single well or tap water. Only direct testing of your well water can confirm nitrate levels at your residence.

2. Sources of Nitrate Contamination in This Region's Groundwater

Nitrate enters groundwater primarily through natural soil processes and human activities such as agricultural fertilizer application and waste disposal. In Sedgwick County, these factors contribute nitrate to the aquifer over time, influenced by soil types, land use, and rainfall patterns. Understanding these sources is important as nitrate can be mobile in water, moving from surface environments to underground aquifers where residential wells draw water.

3. Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Nitrate Levels

The sampling record spans from May 4, 2010, through November 14, 2023. During this period, nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.001 to 1.58 milligrams per liter, with a median value of 0.06 mg/L across measurements. This range indicates fluctuations likely due to seasonal rainfall, agricultural cycles, and groundwater flow variations. Notably, only one measurement exceeded the federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 1.0 mg/L, a health-based threshold. Such data imply that nitrate levels can vary considerably, emphasizing the need for routine testing of household water.

4. Interpreting Certified Laboratory Test Results for Nitrate

A certified laboratory test for your water sample reports nitrate or nitrite concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Reading this report involves comparing your values to established health-based standards. The federal MCL for nitrate is 1.0 mg/L, which serves as a benchmark for potential health concerns. However, any detection of nitrate below this level is not classified as unsafe. The test does not indicate the source of nitrate nor imply chronic exposure risk without considering other factors such as total consumption and vulnerability of household members.

5. Differences Between Aesthetic Secondary Standards and Health-Based Limits

While some water quality guidelines address taste, staining, or odor, these aesthetic secondary standards are separate from health-based limits. For nitrate in Sedgwick County groundwater, the federal MCL is the relevant health-based limit. Detections below this threshold, even if noticeable in taste or appearance, do not constitute a legal violation or safety concern. Understanding this distinction helps households prioritize treatment based on health risks rather than aesthetic preferences alone.

Closing: For households in Sedgwick County with existing equipment no longer adequately addressing nitrate, the Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter ships ready to configure as a targeted solution. It is designed to reduce nitrate concentrations effectively, supporting safer water use based on your measured needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-11-14. 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 112PLSC aquifer (Sedgwick County): 552 results from 27 wells, median 0.06 mg/L, range 0.001-1.58 mg/L; 1 above a health-based federal MCL (federal MCL 1.0 mg/L)