Nitrate is a common contaminant found in many wells. Too much nitrate in drinking water can cause serious health problems for young infants, pregnant women, and those that have low pH stomach acid. While there are regulations for municipal water supplies, wells are not regulated as they are typically privately owned. So, it's up to the homeowner to be educated and remain cautious when consuming well water. Here's what you need to know.
What is Nitrate?
Nitrate (NO3) is a naturally occurring chemical made of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrate is found in air, soil, water, and plants. Much of the nitrate in our environment comes from decomposition of plants and animal wastes. People also add nitrate to the environment in the form of fertilizers.
How do Nitrates get into Well Water?
Natural levels of nitrate in groundwater are usually quite low (less than 1 milligram per liter [mg/L] of nitrate-nitrogen). However, where sources of nitrate such as fertilizers, animal wastes, or human sewage are concentrated near the ground surface, nitrate may seep down and contaminate the groundwater. Elevated nitrate levels in groundwater are often caused by run-off from barnyards or feedlots, excessive use of fertilizers, or septic systems. Wells most vulnerable to nitrate contamination include shallow wells, dug wells with casing which is not watertight, and wells with damaged, leaking casing or fittings.
How Much Nitrate is too Much?
The federal drinking water standard for nitrate is 10 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen, which provides newborns with reasonable protection against blue baby syndrome, nitrate-induced methemoglobinemia, and some forms of cancers caused by high levels of nitrate consumption. This level is mandatory for all public water systems, and recommended for private wells.
How Do I Know if there are Nitrates in My Well Water?
Nitrate is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. To find out if there is nitrate in your water, have it tested by a laboratory that is certified for nitrate testing. t's a good idea to have a routine nitrate test every two or three years, more frequently if nitrate has been detected in previous sampling.
Water Treatment Solutions for Your Home
The Lindyspring Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System is designed to provide your family with the cleanest, healthiest water possible. Reduces nitrates, lead, arsenic, and more! The Eclipse™ Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System is designed to provide your family with the cleanest, healthiest water possible. Multiple filters clean ordinary household water to reduce unwanted and harmful contaminants.
The Eclipse™ Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System offers a convenient, affordable, environmentally sound alternative to bottled water. This system is designed to filter water at the Lake of the Ozarks on a molecular level to reduce contaminants, remove odors and improve the appearance and taste of your tap water. Your authorized Lindyspring dealer can help you determine the best RO system for your household so you can enjoy the pure taste of bottled water right from the tap. Visit our website for more information and learn how we can help protect your family from nitrates in your well water!
Lindyspring of Lake of the Ozarks
What is Nitrate?
Nitrate (NO3) is a naturally occurring chemical made of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrate is found in air, soil, water, and plants. Much of the nitrate in our environment comes from decomposition of plants and animal wastes. People also add nitrate to the environment in the form of fertilizers.
How do Nitrates get into Well Water?
Natural levels of nitrate in groundwater are usually quite low (less than 1 milligram per liter [mg/L] of nitrate-nitrogen). However, where sources of nitrate such as fertilizers, animal wastes, or human sewage are concentrated near the ground surface, nitrate may seep down and contaminate the groundwater. Elevated nitrate levels in groundwater are often caused by run-off from barnyards or feedlots, excessive use of fertilizers, or septic systems. Wells most vulnerable to nitrate contamination include shallow wells, dug wells with casing which is not watertight, and wells with damaged, leaking casing or fittings.
How Much Nitrate is too Much?
The federal drinking water standard for nitrate is 10 mg/L of nitrate-nitrogen, which provides newborns with reasonable protection against blue baby syndrome, nitrate-induced methemoglobinemia, and some forms of cancers caused by high levels of nitrate consumption. This level is mandatory for all public water systems, and recommended for private wells.
How Do I Know if there are Nitrates in My Well Water?
Nitrate is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. To find out if there is nitrate in your water, have it tested by a laboratory that is certified for nitrate testing. t's a good idea to have a routine nitrate test every two or three years, more frequently if nitrate has been detected in previous sampling.
The Lindyspring Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System is designed to provide your family with the cleanest, healthiest water possible. Reduces nitrates, lead, arsenic, and more! The Eclipse™ Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System is designed to provide your family with the cleanest, healthiest water possible. Multiple filters clean ordinary household water to reduce unwanted and harmful contaminants.
The Eclipse™ Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System offers a convenient, affordable, environmentally sound alternative to bottled water. This system is designed to filter water at the Lake of the Ozarks on a molecular level to reduce contaminants, remove odors and improve the appearance and taste of your tap water. Your authorized Lindyspring dealer can help you determine the best RO system for your household so you can enjoy the pure taste of bottled water right from the tap. Visit our website for more information and learn how we can help protect your family from nitrates in your well water!
For All Your Household Water Conditioning and Treatment Needs Count on LINDYSPRING!
CONTACT US
573-348-5044
Lindyspring of Lake of the Ozarks
1063 Industrial Drive
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
