How to Test for Nitrates in Water

Testing for nitrates should be carried out regularly, especially if you use your own water source or live in areas of intensive agriculture. There are a few ways of testing for nitrates in water, but unless you have access to a lab or other chemicals, the easiest way is to use a nitrate-testing kit. This will also allow you to easily and immediately judge the color of the test against a chart for nitrate levels.

Things You'll Need

• Nitrate strips
• Small clean container (around 10 to14 oz. should suffice)

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Instructions

• 1

  Collect a sample of water in your clean container. If using tap water, run the tap for a few minutes, so the water reaches the purest and coldest state possible.

• 2

  Dip the nitrate test strip into the water until it is saturated then remove and shake off any excess water.

• 3

  Leave the strip to settle for about a minute and then compare the color of the strip to the color chart provided with the testing kit to find the nitrate level in parts per million (PPM).