Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter

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Many households in Sussex County notice a distinct taste or report concerns about nitrate in their well or tap water. What does the broader government data reveal about nitrate levels in this area's groundwater, and how should you approach equipment choices to address it?

Myth: Local nitrate concentrations are precisely known from a few tests.

The U.S. Geological Survey has provided extensive sampling data from 65 wells in Sussex County's 112CLMB aquifer, taken between 2011 and 2024. Across 118 sample results, nitrate was detected in 113, with a median concentration of 6.61 mg/L. Wells sampled varied in depth from 2 to 139 feet. This represents a detailed regional snapshot but does not identify the concentration in any specific household well. Only a specific laboratory test of your own water will determine your home's nitrate level.

Myth: Nearby counties' nitrate levels can predict Sussex County household water quality.

While regional trends provide context, nitrate concentrations can vary significantly between counties due to differences in land use, aquifer characteristics, and water chemistry. Sussex County’s median nitrate level of 6.61 mg/L and a range up to 25.2 mg/L are specific to the 112CLMB aquifer. Comparing this to nearby counties should be done carefully and with attention to sample size and depth, as differences can influence the applicability of their data to your home.

Myth: Choosing treatment equipment requires only nitrate concentration information.

Before selecting equipment, it is essential to record pertinent information including your water source (private well, depth if known), last laboratory nitrate and nitrite results, water usage patterns, and household size. This data helps ensure the chosen system addresses your water demand effectively. Knowing the aquifer's documented nitrate range highlights potential challenges but does not replace testing your well water itself.

Myth: Treated water quality is unchanged regardless of the equipment type.

When using treatment technology such as the Fleck Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter, nitrate and nitrite can be significantly reduced, resulting in improved water quality at the tap. This system ships ready to configure for your home and uses filtration methods documented to address inorganic nitrogen effectively. Treated water typically shows a marked decrease in nitrate concentration compared to untreated supply, which can improve taste and reduce potential health concerns when present near or above federal guidelines.

Myth: Visible household issues always indicate nitrate problems.

Unlike some water constituents, nitrate presence usually does not cause staining or corrosion. Symptoms such as a bleach-like taste or odor are not typical nitrate indicators. Instead, nitrate concerns are primarily health-based and require laboratory testing to detect. If you notice blue-green staining, metallic taste, or cloudy water, these likely stem from other water quality factors unrelated to nitrate. Confirming nitrate levels via certified testing is the only reliable way to assess potential health impact.

These conclusions are based on 118 nitrate and nitrite samples from 65 wells in the Sussex County 112CLMB aquifer area, collected by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2011 and 2024. For detailed data, visit the USGS groundwater monitoring site.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-28. 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 112CLMB aquifer (Sussex County): 118 results from 65 wells, median 6.61 mg/L, range 0.06-25.2 mg/L; 45 above a health-based federal MCL (federal MCL 10.0 mg/L)