Nitrates are natural chemicals made of nitrogen and oxygen. They form when bacteria break down waste, like dead plants and animal manure. This process, called nitrification, happens in soil and water.
Plants need nitrates to grow, so farmers add them to fertilizers to help crops thrive. Nitrates are also found in processed foods like bacon and hot dogs, explosives, and some medicines. While nitrates occur naturally in some vegetables, dairy, and meat, the real concern is when too much nitrate gets into our drinking water.
How Do Nitrates Get into Drinking Water?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says most nitrates in water come from human activities. Because nitrates dissolve easily, they move quickly from soil into groundwater and rivers. The main sources include:
- Fertilizers washing off farms, lawns, and golf courses
- Waste from livestock and septic tanks
- Leaking sewage systems
- Erosion of natural nitrate deposits
Heavy rain and flooding can speed up how fast nitrates enter water sources. Once in the groundwater, nitrates can last for decades, affecting drinking water for years to come.
Public Water vs. Private Wells: Who’s at Risk?
If you get your water from a city or town supply, it passes through a treatment plant before reaching your home. However, many smaller or rural water systems don’t have the technology to remove high levels of nitrates.
If you rely on a private well, the risk is even higher. Well owners are responsible for testing and treating their own water, and many people don’t realize how much nitrate they’re consuming. Wells near farms, pastures, or septic tanks are especially at risk.
Why Are Nitrates Dangerous?
High nitrate levels in drinking water can be harmful to your health. Here’s why you should take them seriously:
- Higher Cancer Risk: Nitrates can turn into harmful compounds called N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which may increase the risk of stomach, kidney, and colon cancer. Even water with half the EPA’s limit for nitrates has been linked to a 15% increase in colon cancer risk.
- Dangerous for Babies: Pregnant women and infants are most at risk. High nitrate levels can cause birth defects, premature birth, and a deadly condition called “blue baby syndrome,” which makes it hard for a baby’s blood to carry oxygen.
- Linked to Diabetes: Studies show that drinking water high in nitrates may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 27%. This happens because nitrates interfere with insulin production in the body.
- Affect Thyroid Function: Nitrates can block the thyroid from using iodine, leading to problems like weight gain, fatigue, and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
- Possible Link to Brain Diseases: Research suggests nitrates could be linked to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by damaging brain cells and interfering with memory and thinking.
How Much Nitrate Is Too Much?
The EPA sets a legal limit of 10 mg/L of nitrate in drinking water. However, studies show that even lower levels can cause health problems. Relying on government standards alone may not be enough to protect your family.
How to Know If Your Water Has Nitrates
Because nitrates have no taste, color, or smell, testing is the only way to find out if your water is contaminated.
- For Well Owners: If you have a private well, you should test your water at least once a year. Certified labs can give the most accurate results.
- For City Water Users: Public water suppliers provide a yearly report called the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). However, water can pick up nitrates after it leaves the treatment plant, so occasional independent testing is a good idea.
How to Remove Nitrates from Your Water
Boiling water does not remove nitrates—in fact, it makes them more concentrated. To truly protect your water, you need a high-quality filtration system.
At Royal Water Systems, we recommend reverse osmosis (RO) systems. RO filters remove 83–92% of nitrates, along with other harmful contaminants. These systems use a special membrane to separate clean water from pollutants, giving you safer, healthier drinking water for your family.
Protect Your Family with Royal Water Systems
If you’re worried about nitrates in your water, we can help. Royal Water Systems offers expert water testing and high-performance filtration solutions to ensure your home has clean, safe drinking water. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your water supply!