Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen

Nitrate & Nitrite Nitrogen (Maximum Contaminant Levels = 10.0 & 1.0 mg/l respectively)

Nitrate is a component in fertilizer, and both nitrate/nitrite are found in sewage and sanitary wastes from humans and animals. Contamination from blasting is also another source of nitrate in well water.  Nitrate/nitrite concentrations are not normally high in New Hampshire wells or surface waters. When elevated, the surrounding area is often heavily developed, used for agricultural purposes, or subject to heavy fertilization. Excessive levels of these nitrogen compounds in drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death in infants under six months of age. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin (methemoglobinemia).

For more information, please refer to the DES fact sheet

WD-WSEB-3-9 Nitrate/Nitrite in Drinking Water