Dangers of Nitrates in Water

Nitrates are one of the most common and widespread contaminants in Florida. Waste disposal (particularly from animal farming), the increase of artificial fertilizers in homes and farms, septic systems, and changes in land has caused an increase in the levels of Nitrates in groundwater supplies throughout North Florida through the years.

Effects on Your Infant

Although high levels of Nitrates are not a direct threat for adults, it can affect your infant. Nitrates present a serious health concern for infants six months or younger. If bottle-fed babies drink formula made with water high in Nitrates, or if an infant drinks water or juice containing Nitrates, they can develop a potentially fatal condition: “blue baby syndrome.” This is when Nitrates interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

Nitrates do not change the smell, taste, or color of your water, making it very hard to detect without a water test.

Boiling Water Worsens the Problem

Do NOT boil water that may contain Nitrates. Boiling water will not decrease Nitrates, rather it INCREASES the concentration by evaporating water and leaving Nitrates behind.

Test Your Drinking Water on a Regular Basis

Testing is done frequently for contaminants in municipal water supplies at the treatment plant. However, contaminants can sneak in as it travels through water mains and your own home plumbing. Therefore, we highly recommend you test your drinking water on a regular basis unless you have a water treatment system.

Well Water

If your drinking water comes from a private well make sure you test your water annually. This ensures it is free of Nitrates and other contaminants. This is most important in North Florida drinking water where pollution from runoff at dairy farms, chicken farms, and crop farms is increasing.

We Can Help

Best Water successfully removes Nitrates using water treatment equipment such as Reverse Osmosis, Ion Exchange, and Distillation. Mechanical filters (including “pitcher filters” like Brita) or chemical disinfection, such as chlorination, do NOT remove Nitrates from water.

Want to learn more and let us test your water, call us:

Gainesville: (352) 372-2707 – Ocala: (352) 369-1707

You can also complete the online form HERE and a member of our team will contact you to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.