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What Should People Do If There Are High Nitrate Levels in Their Drinking Water?

Contaminated drinking water is a very serious health concern. While public drinking water is tested regularly for contaminants such as high levels of nitrates and measures are taken to keep the water safe for drinking, private wells and other sources may develop high levels of nitrate before issues can be corrected. Drinking water with high levels of nitrate can pose a serious health risk.

  1. Nitrate

    • Nitrate is formed when nitrogen, commonly from ammonia, comes into contact with oxygenated water. Nitrate naturally occurs in plants and many vegetables, and the average adult typically consumes between 20 to 70 milligrams of nitrate each day. This level of nitrate is not considered harmful as long as it is consumed along with a balanced diet. Nitrate also occurs naturally in water at less than one milligram per liter, which isn't considered harmful. High levels of nitrate can occur when the water is exposed to contaminants such as fertilizers, animal manure, human waste and high levels of plant decay. Federal law requires that the nitrate level of public water sources remain under 10 mg per liter and recommends the same for private sources.

    Health Risks

    • High levels of nitrate in water pose the biggest risk to infants and children. Infants that are exposed to nitrate-contaminated water can develop methemoglobinemia, which prevents blood cells from releasing oxygen to other tissue. This causes the infant's skin to turn blue or lavender and can cause a coma and even death. Mothers who drink water containing high levels of nitrate can pass the nitrate on to their children through nursing. Pregnant women drinking high levels of nitrate have a high risk of causing a birth defect in their unborn children. People with certain conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, are also sensitive to the toxic effects of high nitrate levels and could see their condition worsen.

    Children

    • Children, especially infants under six months, should not be allowed to drink water with high levels of nitrate (over 50 mg) under any conditions. Pregnant women and nursing mothers with children under six months of age should avoid drinking the water on a daily basis. Infants should be checked for signs of discoloration on the skin, typically starting on the hands and feet or around the mouth. If the skin begins to turn blue or gray, seek medical help immediately.

    Adults

    • Adults can generally consume small amounts of nitrate-contaminated water without any health risks, though daily consumption should be kept to a minimum. The contaminated water should not be boiled under any circumstances as it will concentrate the nitrate, intensifying its negative effects. The source of the contamination should be identified immediately to reduce long-term exposure to the contaminated water. If manure or animal waste is located on the property, improper handling can cause the contamination. Other possible sources include faulty wells, leaking septic tank or excessive fertilizer use. If the source of the contamination can't be located and corrected, the local public health department should be contacted.

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