Nitrate is a water soluble molecule made of nitrogen and oxygen. It is formed when nitrogen from ammonia or another source combines with oxygenated water. Nitrate is naturally found in plants and many foods, and is tasteless and odorless. Since it does not evaporate or bind well to soil, it is used by plants or stays in the water. Nitrate reactions can cause oxygen depletion in water, which may cause fish kills. Most adults take in 20-70 mg of nitrate per day from vegetables according to the World Health Organization. It is not thought to be harmful if part of a balanced diet as humans can readily absorb and excrete nitrates in urine.

If you have a shallow well, dug well, or have a damaged or leaking casing

If there is a pregnant or nursing woman in the home

If you have children, ruminant animals, horses, or infant animals

If you have a fish tank or pond

If you live near a livestock lot or heavily fertilized area

Nitrates are in fertilizers, animal waste, human sewage, decaying plant debris, and industrial waste. Sodium nitrite is used for the “curing of meat” because it prevents bacterial growth and gives a dark red color.

Causes “blue baby syndrome” or methemoglobinemia as nitrate changes to nitrite in their stomachs Pregnant women should not drink if contaminated; more susceptible to methemoglobinemia People with heart or lung disease, inherited enzyme defects, or cancer are more sensitive Boiling water for more than 10 minutes can make nitrate more concentrated (freezing or letting stand does not eliminate nitrates either) Causes “brown blood disease” in fish.

Federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate in drinking water is 10 mg/L. Nitrite MCL is 1 mg/L or (part per million).

Short term solution: buy bottled water

Long term solutions: reverse osmosis, distillation, ion exchange unit, repair your well casing, have a deeper well made

In-line filters and softeners do not remove nitrates

• https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/nitrate.html
• https://water-research.net/index.php/nitrate