Nitrogen can take different forms in nature and is important for life in both plants and animals. The most common form of nitrogen found in well water is nitrate. Wells with high levels of nitrates are more likely to be privately owned or shallow and affected by human activity.
There are two health concerns when drinking water with high levels of nitrates or nitrites.
The first is risk of “blue baby syndrome,” also called methemoglobinemia:
The second is the potential formation of chemicals called nitrosamines in the digestive tract. Nitrosamines are being studied for long-term links to cancer. No standards have been set for this yet.
Nitrate contamination of water usually comes from fertilized agricultural fields, septic system failures, or compost piles that are too close to wells. Learn how to take care of your septic system
You cannot see, smell or taste nitrates or nitrites. Testing is the only way to know if nitrates or nitrites are in your drinking water. If human or animal waste contaminates a well, nitrites will be detected first but will quickly convert to nitrates, which is why tests are done for nitrates.
The Health Department recommends testing your well or spring for nitrates every five years. You can order an inorganic chemical test (Kit C) from the Health Department Laboratory, or you can use another certified drinking water lab to test for inorganic chemicals.
The drinking water standard for nitrates in water is 10.0 mg/L and nitrites is 1.0 mg/L.
Need help understanding your drinking water test results? Find out how to read your results
Nitrate levels can be lowered in drinking water with one of the treatment systems listed below.
Re-test your drinking water for nitrates after any treatment system is installed to make sure levels are below the drinking water standard.
Funding is available to help you pay for water treatment or to fix your water system. Learn more about financial assistance programs and eligibility.
