Contaminants

NITRATES

Contaminant Sources

Nitrate contaminants in drinking water can result from the following:

Fertilizer runoff and leaching
Septic tank leaching
Sewage
Erosion of natural deposits

Monitoring Requirements

Monitoring is required annually or as determined necessary by the WDNR.

Sampling Procedures

Sampling procedures for nitrates are the same as those for bacteriological samples, with the exception of the sterilization process. Sterilization (flaming) is unnecessary for nitrates. Nitrate samples must be packed with ice and put into plastic bags. Plastic bags should be filled ¾ full with ice, with the request form in a separate plastic bag.

Nitrate samples must be analyzed within 48 hours of collection. Check with your post office for the best and fastest way to deliver, or use a different carrier to meet this requirement.

Reporting Requirements

Upon receiving the completed sample form from the laboratory, check to make sure that the required testing was done. Sign and date the form and submit it to the WDNR within the following timeframes:

Ten days following the end of a required compliance period.
Ten days following the month in which the result is received.

Report all MCL, monitoring, and public notice violations to the WDNRwithin 24 hours.

It is recommended that you retain a copy of the completed sample form for your records(click here for sample form in PDF format).

Treatment Options

If a water system exceeds the nitrate MCL, steps must be taken to bring the system back into compliance. One way to do this is to reconstruct the existing well or construct a new well into a deeper aquifer with lower nitrate levels. Alternatively, the water can be treated to remove the nitrate by the following treatment techniques:

Health Effects

Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water could cause serious illness and sometimes death. It is especially hazardous to infants as it can interfere with their blood's ability to carry oxygen. The result is a condition called methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome." because the skin appears blue-gray or lavender in color. The infant literally suffocates due to a lack of oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.

All infants under six months of age are at risk of nitrate poisoning, but some babies may be more sensitive than others. Infants suffering from "blue baby syndrome" need immediate medical care because the condition can lead to coma and even death if it's not treated promptly.