Concentration levels of nitrate in ground water pumped from public supply wells are a matter of concern for municipalities and water companies throughout the United States. When the concentration of nitrate exceeds state and federal drinking water standards, it renders public supply wells unsuitable for use. The cost of a replacement well is high, with no guarantee of good quality water from the new well. Wellhead treatment is another alternative to address the problem of elevated nitrate concentrations, but treatment can also be expensive.