Nitrate and Nitrite in Water:
Due to its high solubility in water, nitrate is one of the most common contaminants in rural and suburban areas. In ground water, nitrate originates primarily from fertilizers, septic systems, and manure storage or spreading operations. Nitrate may also occur naturally due to the dissolution of nitrate bearing rock within the aquifer. With surface supplies, contamination can originate from indiscriminate surface water runoff (non-point sources) or identifiable sources of contamination such as industrial or municipal discharges (point sources).
Drinking Water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL's):
The federal government has set drinking water MCL's of 10 mg/L for Nitrate-Nitrogen and 1 mg/L for Nitrite-Nitrogen. 1 mg/L is equivalent to 1 part per million (1 ppm). Short-term exposure to drinking water at or above these limits is a potential health problem primarily for infants.
I Have High Nitrate/Nitrite Levels. Now What?
Nitrate in drinking water can be effectively reduced in a number of ways. The best solution is to find an alternative water supply for drinking and cooking purposes. If other pollutants are not present, reverse osmosis systems, anion exchange units, and distillation can reduce nitrate and nitrite levels. The major drawback is that frequent testing is required to assure performance. Contact a reputable water treatment company to determine which method is best for your situation.
CNA Environmental Inc. can reliably analyze your water supply for these and other contaminants. We are a New York State Department of Health certified Environmental Laboratory (ELAP# 11534).
Adapted from:
1. McCasland, M., Trautmann, N.M., Porter, K.S., and Wagenet, R.J. Nitrate: Health Effects in Drinking Water. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet, December 1985. p. 400.02.
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