Nitrate
Health & what it is
Nitrate is a particular, acute concern for infants under six months: high levels can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, causing “blue baby syndrome” (methemoglobinemia). Pregnant people and infants are the most sensitive groups.
Unlike many contaminants, nitrate risk is acute rather than only long-term, so an exceedance warrants prompt action — using an alternate water source for infant formula until the level is confirmed safe.
EPA’s maximum contaminant level is 10 parts per million (ppm) measured as nitrate-nitrogen.
Where it comes from
Fertilizer and manure runoff, septic systems, and natural deposits — most common in agricultural and rural well areas.
How to reduce Nitrate at home
Look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 — Reverse osmosis. Carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate — use RO, ion exchange, or distillation.
- ✓Reverse osmosis
- ✓Ion exchange
- ✓Distillation — note that carbon filters and boiling do NOT remove nitrate (boiling concentrates it)
Frequently asked questions
What is Nitrate? +
Mostly from agricultural runoff and septic systems; an acute risk to young infants. Fertilizer and manure runoff, septic systems, and natural deposits — most common in agricultural and rural well areas.
What is the EPA limit for Nitrate in drinking water? +
The EPA limit is 10 ppm (MCL). To remove it, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58.
What are the health effects of Nitrate? +
Nitrate is a particular, acute concern for infants under six months: high levels can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, causing “blue baby syndrome” (methemoglobinemia). Pregnant people and infants are the most sensitive groups. Unlike many contaminants, nitrate risk is acute rather than only long-term, so an exceedance warrants prompt action — using an alternate water source for infant formula until the level is confirmed safe. EPA’s maximum contaminant level is 10 parts per million (ppm) measured as nitrate-nitrogen.
How do you remove Nitrate from drinking water? +
Reverse osmosis Ion exchange Distillation — note that carbon filters and boiling do NOT remove nitrate (boiling concentrates it)
Is Nitrate in your water?
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