What About Nitrates?

What About Nitrates?

According to the latest article from Springwell, nitrate contamination is reaching concerning levels nationwide. The piece highlights how agricultural runoff and fertilizers are sending these nitrogen compounds into groundwater, with states like Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin showing alarming increases. Springwell's Tommy Stricklin details how nitrates can cause everything from "blue baby syndrome" in infants to increased risks of cancer, thyroid disease, type 2 diabetes, and even neurological conditions like Alzheimer's. That said, Stricklin and team recommend reverse osmosis systems as the most effective solution, noting they remove 83-92% of nitrates. Private well owners are especially vulnerable since they lack regulatory oversight, making them good candidates for testing and filtration services.

Whole House vs. Under Sink

Aquasana's latest guide breaks down the eternal homeowner debate: whole house vs. under sink filtration systems. The team says whole-home options offer comprehensive protection (including preserving expensive appliances and pipes) but come with a steeper $1,000+ price tag and complex installation. On the other hand, Aquasana explains that under-sink systems deliver point-of-use filtration at roughly one-third the cost with easier installation, though they only protect single water sources. The article points out that whole house systems won't address contamination from existing plumbing, while under-sink filters might require drilling through countertops and can reduce water pressure. As an interesting tidbit, their recent Annual Water Quality Survey showed that 76% of Americans believe filtered water contributes to longer lives.

Water Softener Pricing

Cali-based United Plumbing & Water Heaters wrote a recent article all about water softener pricing, breaking down the costs for each type of setup. Here's what they’re saying:

• System options range widely: whole house softeners ($700-$5,000), salt-free alternatives ($600-$2,500 installed), and budget-friendly under-sink filters ($150-$1,000)

• Installation costs add $600-$3,500 when hiring a plumber, plus potential extras for water testing ($100-$300), electrical work ($150-$500), and permits (up to $1,000)

• Ongoing expenses include annual salt ($50-$300), replacement filters ($50-$300/year), and potential repairs ($200-$600)

The team says that despite these costs, water softeners pay for themselves through protected plumbing, extended appliance life, and healthier water.

LG’s Tech at Aquatech Amsterdam

LG Sonic presented their various technologies at Aquatech Amsterdam 2025 this last week. The company explained how their "digital twins" work by creating virtual copies of water systems that simulate what's happening in real-time (which help predict water quality issues before they happen). They also showed off how their MPC-Buoy system which not only monitors water but actively treats problems using sound waves (no chemicals needed). As regulations tighten and water quality concerns grow, LG Sonic says their AI-powered monitoring offers the rare combo of being both more effective and more cost-efficient than traditional methods. And especially for treating harmful algae blooms that plague many water systems during summer months.

What else is happening:

• Record-high PFAS chemicals were found in a private N.J. well and now hundreds more are being tested

• Aquasana posts a guide on improving water quality, mentioning that “nine out of ten US homes get tap water from a public water system”

• Ampac USA writes about the advantages of commercial RO

• WQA Podcast drops a new episode talking about the Hydropitch Challenge at the upcoming 2025 WQA Convention & Expo

• CA-based Water Techniques releases an article on how to improve water quality with testing data