Why Is This Important?

Nitrate is a nitrogen compound that occurs naturally in soil, water, plants, and food. It may be formed when microorganisms in the environment break down organic materials, such as plants, animal manure, and sewage. Nitrate can also be found in chemical fertilizers. Nitrate can get into drinking water from runoff of farms, golf courses and lawns, landfills, animal feedlots, and septic systems.

High levels of nitrate in drinking water can lead to methemoglobinemia, a form of anemia, particularly in infants ("blue baby syndrome") and pregnant women.

Definition

Percent of tested private wells with nitrate concentration exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 milligrams per liter

Data Notes

Data Source

How the Measure is Calculated

• Numerator:

  Number of tested private wells with nitrate concentration exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter in a specified time period

• Denominator:

  Number of tested private wells in a specified time period

Related Risk Factors Indicators:

• Arsenic in Private Wells
• Fecal Coliform or E. coli in Private Wells
• Gross Alpha in Private Wells
• Mercury in Private Wells
• Nitrate in Community Drinking Water Systems
• Private Well Usage: Self-Reported as Main Source of Drinking Water

Health Topic Pages Related to: Nitrate in Private Wells

• Water Quality