Nitrate in Well Water
What is
Nitrate?
Nitrate is a chemical like salt. It is often
found in the environment. Nitrate found in well water is usually due to
contamination by decaying plant or animal material, domestic sewage or
run-off of fertilizer used on farms. Nitrate is also found in smoked
foods, like bacon. Bacteria in the stomach can change the nitrate
into nitrite.
What can Nitrite do to me?
In babies, especially those under 6 months, more nitrite is made
by their stomachs. This nitrite combines with blood so that less oxygen is
available. This disease is called methemoglobinemia, or "blue
baby". This disease is serious, because the baby's brain can be hurt
by the lack of oxygen.
Older children and adults may be affected by high nitrate
levels. A weak link with stomach cancer has been shown in some studies.
This is not a definite health risk, but it is safest to limit nitrate in
your food and drink.
What can I do?
1. Test your well water. (Municipal water is tested routinely.)
You can pick up a bottle (specifically for nitrate testing) from the
nearest Health Unit office. Directions for testing are given with each
bottle.
2. If your water has between 4 mg/l and 10 mg/l, test your
water again. You may want to restrict well water use or talk to our Public
Health Inspector.
3. If your water has more than 10 mg/l of nitrate:
- Use water from another source, i.e. municipal, friend (if previously
tested), to prepare your baby's food and formula. This is very
important for babies less than 6 months of age. If you breastfeed or
use ready-to-use formula you will eliminate the need for well water.
- Do not boil your water to get rid of nitrate. Boiling does not
change the chemical, and it concentrates the nitrate more.
4. If you are worried about the high level of nitrate in your well, you
may want to talk to our Public Health Inspectors. We can also help by
giving you more information and answering your questions.
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