More information about other contaminants can be found here.
If your main source of water comes from a well, you are probably well aware of all the responsibilities that come with owning and maintaining that well. One of the best things a homeowner can do for their well is to get it tested at least annually. In fact, testing your well can save a lot of headaches down the road and prevent long term contamination of the water that it provides to you and your family.
One of the most common contaminants in well water is Nitrates. |
WHAT ARE NITRATES?
Nitrates are naturally occurring in the surface and ground water before it flows to a home's well. However, nitrates are added to water through unnatural sources such as fertilizer, animal waste and human sewage that infiltrate the surface water and well. There are also nitrates in the air. Most of these nitrates are from decomposition of plants and animal waste. Vegetables also contain many nitrates that we consume. In fact the average adult consumes 20 - 25 mg per day of Nitrates, which in most part comes from vegetables.
WELLS AT RISK
Certain wells may be more vulnerable to exposure of Nitrates in their water. In particular, wells that receive their water from areas with heavy farming and agricultural land use have the highest levels of Nitrates. In addition, shallow wells, wells that have damaged or leaking casing or wells that are dug with casing that is not water tight can allow more nitrates to infiltrate the water supply.
NITRATES AND OUR HEALTH
A healthy adult can handle consuming a significant amount of Nitrates. However, in some adults with reduced stomach acidity, pregnant women and infants under six months a more serious problem can occur. The Nitrates in these individuals converts the Nitrates to Nitrites by the bacteria in their stomach. The Nitrites are then absorbed into their blood where the oxygen-carrying component of blood, or the hemoglobin is then converted to methemoglobin. Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen efficiently, which results in decreased oxygen to vital parts of the body, such as the brain.
Babies Under 6 Months
Babies have very low stomach acidity at birth and it slowly increases as they grow. By the time they are six months the Nitrite producing bacteria is reduced, meaning the conversion of Nitrates to NItrites no longer occurs. However, for babies that are under six months, this issue of Nitrates can be deadly. When their hemoglobin is converted to methomoglobin (which doesn't allow enough oxygen to travel to their vital tissues), they develop what is known as "Blue Baby Syndrome" or "methemoglobinemia". If their condition worsens and they consume even more Nitrates without being treated, you will notice the skin around their eyes and mouth begin to turn blue due to the decreased oxygen being carried through their bodies. |
Compromised Adults
Other adults are also at risk of developing methemoglobinemia as well. Those who have decreased stomach acidity (caused by hypothyroidism) and pregnant women can become affected by Nitrates in drinking water. People with certain blood disorders should also be particularly careful of their Nitrate consumption and drinking water.
Other adults are also at risk of developing methemoglobinemia as well. Those who have decreased stomach acidity (caused by hypothyroidism) and pregnant women can become affected by Nitrates in drinking water. People with certain blood disorders should also be particularly careful of their Nitrate consumption and drinking water.
LINKS TO CANCER
A study done by a professor at the University of Iowa showed a link between Nitrates in drinking water and an increased risk for bladder cancer in women. Unfortunately this study also showed that even low level exposures increased a woman's chance of bladder cancer by three times. Currently the federal standard allowed in drinking water is 10 mL. These studies were performed using water that had only 2.5 mL of Nitrate per liter which is well below what is allowed in "safe" drinking water.
HOW TO TREAT YOUR WATER
First and foremost, testing your well water is an absolute must. It is very important to know exactly what is in your well water before you attempt to treat it. If you find your well tests positive for Nitrates and you would like to remove them, there are two key ways to do so.
One way to test your water is to order a kit such as the one below which includes a test for Nitrates. Another way is to contact a company to test your water for you. |
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis filters are a great way to remove Nitrates. The water travels through a series of filters, one of which is a reverse osmosis membrane. These filters collect the impurities, including Nitrates, and separate them from the pure water. The clean water is then sent to a storage tank awaiting your use. Distillation Distillation is another method that works to remove Nitrates by heating the drinking water. Once the water is heated, water vapors are collected while leaving behind the impurities and contaminants. |
Both reverse osmosis and distillation are point of use filters. This means they can be used at one faucet while leaving the rest of the home's water untreated and impure. If you are searching for a way to treat all the water in your home, you will want to get a whole house point of entry filter. A whole house Ion Exchange Nitrate Filter is a practical way to remove Nitrates from all the water entering the home. Ion exchange is the same technology a water softener uses to remove hard water. In this case, however, the media being used is specific to removing Nitrates. A Nitrate filter will use Anion or Nitrate Selective Media to remove the Nitrates.
Distillers |
Reverse Osmosis Filters |
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Amanda Klecker, Zell Plumbing & Heating