A new report finds that nearly 20% of Americans have elevated levels of nitrates in their drinking water. Nitrate occurs naturally in the air, soil and water, and humans and animals need it for survival. However, in excess, nitrate is a contaminant, and the EPA sets limits on the acceptable levels that can be found in drinking water. How does nitrate get into the water supply? Nitrates get into our drinking water from agricultural fertilizer runoff and animal manure, leaking septic systems, sewage, wastewater treatment plant discharge and urban storm-water runoff. The highest levels of nitrates are found in California, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Washington, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Arizona and Wisconsin. According to the EPA, the acceptable level of nitrates is 10 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Currently, 18% of the U.S. population has nitrate levels of 3 mg/L, much lower than the 10 mg/L maximum. Some studies have found an association between exposure to nitrates in drinking water and certain cancers, while others have found little or no association. More recent research indicates that the current 10 mg/L limit is too high, and that more studies are necessary. Do any water filters get rid of nitrates? Some do and some don’t. Your basic pitcher filter won’t cut it, and some of the most common ways of ridding water of contaminants won’t help for nitrates. Activated charcoal doesn’t work, and boiling only makes it worse. The only way to tell if your water has elevated nitrate levels is to have it tested. If your water is found to be above 10 mg/L, stop using it and use the water for infant formula, drinking or cooking, and purchased bottled water. If you can afford it, use a filter system that can filter nitrates. They typically run $2,895 to $3,295 depending on household size.
