There are many different types of water contaminants, and each one can affect different types of people in different ways. One type of contaminant that is particularly problematic for infants and pregnant women is nitrates. Today we’re going to talk about how nitrates get into drinking water and the various health effects that they can be responsible for.
How do nitrates get in our drinking water?
Nitrates are chemical compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen. These compounds, which are naturally found in soil, are absorbed by plants as a source of nutrients. However, nitrates are also created from various human and agricultural activities.
Excess nitrates are formed when microorganisms break down things like fertilizers, manure, sewage and residue from septic tank leaks. When there are too many nitrates in the soil for plants to absorb, water runoff can move those nitrates into groundwater and surface water supplies (and eventually into our drinking water).
Because of the high prevalence of nitrates in the presence of fertilizers and manure, homes with private wells near agricultural areas are particularly susceptible to high levels of nitrates in drinking water.
What are the health effects of nitrates in drinking water?
- Infants: Infants are the most prone to experiencing health problems from nitrates in drinking water. In particular, nitrate consumption can lead to a possibly life-threatening disease called methemoglobinemia (better known as blue baby syndrome).
- Pregnant women and people with reduced stomach acidity: In addition to infants, pregnant women and people with reduced stomach acidity are also prone to methemoglobinemia from nitrate exposure.
- Healthy adults: Although healthy adults are less susceptible to health problems from short-term exposure to nitrates in drinking water, prolonged exposure to high levels of nitrates has been linked to gastric problems due to the formations of nitrosamines.
What type of filtration system should you install to remove nitrates from drinking water?
A point-of-use reverse osmosis water filter from Hague is one of the most effective treatment solutions for removing nitrates from drinking water. This system will filter out nitrates from your water just before the water leaves your tap. By having your water tested by North Carolina Water Consultants, we can determine your water’s nitrate levels (along with a number of other contaminant levels) and recommend the perfect treatment system for your home!
If you have any questions about nitrates in drinking water, or if you’d like a water treatment system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants. We install Hague water filtration systems in North and South Carolina, including towns like Concord, Winston-Salem and Clemmons, NC.