Nitrate Levels in Navajo County: What Groundwater Samples Show for Homeowners

WSP Whole House Nitrate Reduction System - Well Water, Nitrite Removal

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Before Considering Nitrate Treatment, Note What You Must Know

A common assumption is that any nitrate detection in local groundwater implies the same level in your home's water supply. However, government sampling reflects area-wide measurements, not your individual well. You should obtain a current, specific test of your household water for inorganic nitrogen (nitrate plus nitrite) to understand your own exposure before seeking treatment solutions.

Sample Depth and Source Type Influence Nitrate Expectations

The US Geological Survey measured nitrate levels in Navajo County's aquifer 220NAVJ from wells that ranged in depth between 554 and 3,737 feet. Deeper wells generally have different nitrate concentrations than shallower ones due to geological and hydrological factors. Because your well depth may differ from these sample depths, expect your nitrate levels to vary accordingly. Local aquifer conditions and well design also contribute to nitrate presence or absence.

Household Needs Differ from Commercial or Industrial Water Use

While commercial and industrial water users might focus on operational impacts and regulatory compliance, household water users often prioritize aesthetic quality and health-related concerns. Decisions on nitrate treatment at home depend on your water usage, presence of other contaminants, and sensitivity of household members, especially infants or pregnant women. These considerations add nuance to choosing the right nitrate control approach.

Understanding the Data Behind Navajo County’s Nitrate Measurements

The nitrate data for aquifer 220NAVJ includes 40 samples collected from 14 distinct wells over nearly a decade, from June 2010 to August 2019. Thirty-three of these results detected inorganic nitrogen, with a median concentration of 0.961 mg/L and a range from 0.02 to 4.72 mg/L. Seven results were below detection limits. This sample size reflects diverse spatial and temporal conditions but is not enough to precisely define nitrate levels in any particular well without direct testing.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Variations Seen in the Record

Sampling dates spanning over nine years show variation but no nitrate measurement exceeded federal thresholds for health-based limits within this dataset. This indicates nitrate presence at various times and locations but does not equate to regulatory violations or unsafe conditions across the aquifer. Seasonal cycles and environmental factors influence nitrate levels, so regular testing is important for current household water quality awareness.

Summary: This review clarifies that area aquifer sampling informs about regional nitrate occurrence but cannot substitute for individual well testing. Households facing challenges with existing nitrate control equipment can consider the Autotrol Nitrate & Nitrite (Well) Filter, which ships ready to configure to address nitrate removal.

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