Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter

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1. What to Note Before Seeking Nitrate Treatment Advice

Many believe that nitrate levels measured in a nearby well or regional groundwater can directly describe their own tap water quality. However, the U.S. Geological Survey has sampled 25 wells in New Hanover County's aquifer 211PEED, showing nitrite concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 0.013 mg/L, with a median of 0.006 mg/L. These samples, collected in May 2017, are evidence about the area's water but do not establish the nitrate concentration in any individual home’s water. Before considering treatment, homeowners should obtain a current water test specific to their own well or supply, as nitrate levels can vary by location, depth, and source.

2. How Sample Depth and Well Characteristics Affect Nitrate Expectations

The sampled wells ranged from 42 to 220 feet deep, and nitrate or nitrite detection in this area was limited to 4 out of 50 samples, all well below federal thresholds considered safe. Deeper wells may experience different nitrate levels than shallow wells due to factors like surface runoff impact or aquifer characteristics. Understanding your own well’s depth and type helps in anticipating possible nitrate presence, but only a direct test can confirm actual concentrations.

3. Plumbing Material and Age Influence Water Quality Separately from Source Water

Issues such as corrosion, staining, or taste changes related to plumbing materials and their age do not reflect nitrate levels in source water. While water chemistry can interact with plumbing, nitrate concentrations are primarily determined by the source water’s quality. It is important to address plumbing-related concerns independently from nitrate treatment considerations.

4. Public Water System Records versus Private Well Testing

Records from public water systems in New Hanover County present data based on regulated testing and monitoring and often show compliance with nitrate safety standards. However, private wells are not covered by these regulations. Homeowners relying on private wells need specific local testing to understand their water quality. The regional data from the USGS provides context but cannot substitute for individual well analysis.

5. Understanding Measurement Ranges and Federal Standards

In the USGS sampling, no result exceeded federal nitrate or nitrite thresholds designed for health safety. Detecting nitrate or nitrite at levels well below these standards is common and does not indicate unsafe water. It is essential not to confuse detection with a violation or health risk. Treatment decisions should be based on actual test results relative to these federal limits, not merely on the presence of nitrate.

Choosing a treatment system involves considering technologies known to effectively reduce nitrate and nitrite if needed. The Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter ships ready to configure and is documented for this purpose, offering a solution tailored to reduce these compounds in residential well water.

Conclusion: The Definitive Single Test to Guide Your Decision

To resolve any uncertainty about nitrate in your household water, order a laboratory test of your specific well or water source measuring nitrate and nitrite concentrations. If results show levels approaching or exceeding guidelines of concern, then using a dedicated system like the Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter will be a validated step to address the issue. This test is the key to making an informed, effective choice for your water treatment needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-05-25. 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 211PEED aquifer (New Hanover County): 50 results from 25 wells, median 0.006 mg/L, range 0.002-0.013 mg/L; none above any federal threshold