In Connecticut testing your water for nitrate is important. High levels of nitrate make the water unsafe for consumption or NOT potable (safe for drinking).
Nitrate (NO3) and Nitrite (NO2) are nitrogen-containing compounds that can be found in water and soils throughout CT. The presence of nitrate and nitrite generally indicates contamination from a pasture, manure pile, decomposed vegetation or agricultural fertilizers, or sewage, though it may come from erosion of natural deposits.
Nitrates change to nitrites in the body, which reduces oxygen uptake by the hemoglobin and could result in methaemoglobinaemia (blue baby syndrome), which is potentially fatal in infants.
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units that combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil, where flowing ground water picks them up. High levels of nitrates and nitrites in groundwater in Connecticut are usually due to human activities, but can sometimes be found naturally in groundwater.
The major sources of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water are runoff from fertilizer use, sewage – especially leakage from septic tanks – and erosion of natural deposits.
Drinking large amounts of nitrates and nitrites is particularly threatening to infants (for example, when mixed in formula). Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
The following treatment method(s) have proven to be effective for removing nitrate to below 10 mg/L or 10 ppm:
Call or email us to schedule an appointment to have your drinking water tested for nitrate levels today! 888-558-1574