in Drinking Water
Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound that becomes a health concern at elevated levels. It commonly enters water supplies from agricultural fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems.
10 ppm (MCL)
This is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) that water systems must meet by law.
10 ppm
The level below which no adverse health effects are expected.
Exposure to nitrate in drinking water can cause various health problems:
Nitrate can enter drinking water from various sources:
| Rank | City | Nitrate Level | Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Inver Grove Heights | 13.90 ppm | F |
| #2 | Thief River Falls | 13.60 ppm | F |
| #3 | Fergus Falls | 13.00 ppm | F |
| #4 | Aitkin | 12.94 ppm | F |
| #5 | CASS LAKE | 11.82 ppm | F |
| #6 | Ely | 11.80 ppm | F |
| #7 | Mankato | 11.60 ppm | F |
| #8 | Rochester | 11.50 ppm | F |
| #9 | Columbia Heights | 10.47 ppm | F |
| #10 | CASS LAKE | 10.40 ppm | F |
These filtration methods are effective at removing nitrate from drinking water:
Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound that becomes a health concern at elevated levels. It commonly enters water supplies from agricultural fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems.
Exposure to nitrate in drinking water can cause: Blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months, Oxygen deprivation in the blood, Potential links to certain cancers with long-term exposure.
The EPA limit for nitrate is 10 ppm (MCL). The health guideline is 10 ppm.
The most effective methods to remove nitrate include: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems - most effective; Ion exchange systems.
For official information about nitrate in drinking water, visit the EPA website.
Visit EPA.govEnter your address to see nitrate levels in your local water system.
Look Up Your Address