Nitrates in Water Testing NY
Nitrates in Water Testing
NY . Excessive levels of nitrate in NY drinking water have caused serious illness and sometimes death. The serious illness in infants (aka Blue Baby Syndrome) is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the childs blood.
This can be an acute condition in which health deteriorates rapidly over a period of days. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin.
Long-term nitrates and nitrites have the potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL: diuresis, increased starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen.
Most nitrogenous materials in natural waters tend to be converted to nitrate, so all sources of combined nitrogen, particularly organic nitrogen and ammonia, should be considered as potential nitrate sources. Primary sources of organic nitrates include human sewage and livestock manure, especially from feedlots.
What happens to Nitrates/Nitrites when they are released to the environment? Since they are very soluble and do not bind to soils, nitrates have a high potential to migrate to NY ground water. Because they do not evaporate, nitrates/nitrites are likely to remain in water until consumed by plants or other organisms.
NY water with nitrite levels exceeding 1.0 mg/l should NOT be used for feeding babies.
If you have a private well in NY you should test your well water at least once a year for nitrates. Also test your water if you have a new well or pump installed, or if there are any environmental changes.
Call our NY water testing specialists today to ensure the safety of your family 888-558-1574.
