HidroCare specializes in water treatment solutions for the removal of nitrates. The following information will help you understand and select the best way to eliminate the problem, should it be detected, in your water supply.
Nitrate and Pesticide contaminates in ground water
Nitrogen exists in the environment in many forms and changes forms as it moves through the nitrogen cycle. However, excessive concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can be hazardous to health. It also occurs natural in the soil in organic forms from decaying plant and animal residues. Nitrogen is the element applied in the largest quantities for lawns, gardens, and crop production. Nitrates can be found in water supplies that are in areas where there is heavy use of fertilizers. It is undetectable without testing because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Activities near a well can potentially contaminate the water supply.
Potential Health Hazards
Nitrates can cause Methemoglobinemia (Blue baby syndrome). This is a serious condition for expectant mothers and very young children. Nitrates replace the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood resulting in asphyxiation of the developing child or infant. Nitrates are probably not harmful to adults, even at levels higher than have been found in your area. A potential cancer risk from nitrate (and nitrite) in water and food has been reported. A possibility exists that nitrate can react with amines or amides in the body to form nitrosamine which is known to cause cancer. The magnitude of the cancer risk from nitrate in drinking water is not known. Currently the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is 10 ppm (parts per million). For the last two decades there has been growing concern about the potential for contamination from fertilizers in the form of nitrates, but just as great a concern are the suspected high levels of pesticide residues that are applied at the same time as fertilizers and are frequently applied at the same time as fertilizers. In addition, because of some reports of potential birth defects when pregnant women drank high nitrate water, pregnant women should not drink water containing more than the EPA MCL level.
How do I know if I have Nitrates in my water ?
The only way to determine the level of nitrates in your water supply is to have your water analyzed. Here are a few options to consider:
Contact HidroCare - One of our representitives will come to your location and take a sample of your tap water for testing.
Do it yourself - Contact our sales department for pricing information on one of the following award winning PurTest® water testing kits:
Iron Hardness Plus - Our most popular and economical PurTest® kit allows you to instantly test for 8 items. Each kit includes 2 tests for: Iron, Hardness, Copper, Nitrates, Nitrites, Chlorine, pH, and Alkalinity.
Bacteria, Nitrate & Nitrites - This test lets you determine the absence or presence of coliform bacteria and instantly shows whether or not your water is above or below the EPA safe standards for nitrates or nitrites.
Home Water Analysis - Our comprehensive PurTest® Home Water Analysis kit includes 4 of the above: the Bacteria, Nitrate, Nitrite kit, Iron Hardness Plus, the Pesticide kit, and a Lead test kit. In addition, the Home Water Analysis kit includes a free consumer water knowledge and information book plus a results log. This kit allows you to screen your water for contaminates and conditions easily right at home; there's nothing to mail in and no additional lab fees.
The Next Step If excessive nitrates are present in your water supply, you have two choices: Obtain an alternate water supply or use some type of treatment system to remove the nitrates.
