Nitrate

Health Effects

Methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome') in infants under 6 months - nitrate reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Potentially linked to certain cancers at lower levels with chronic exposure, though research is ongoing.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

Where It Comes From

Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. Agricultural activity is the dominant source.

Where It's Commonly Found

Agricultural areas with heavy fertilizer use, areas with high density of septic systems, and shallow groundwater wells. Midwest and Great Plains states are particularly affected.

Thousands of community water systems and millions of private wells have elevated nitrate. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas of the U.S.

How to Remove It