nitrate in well water
My well tested at 12.5 for nitrate. What are the health hazards and how do I fix it?
Linn County Oregon
1 Response
Nitrate at that level is over the drinking water standard and we would advise that no one be using it for drinking or cooking. It is still ok to be using for cleaning, laundry, and bathing. With a level that high - if you did not also have a coliform bacteris test performed at the same time, please do so. Nitrate is an indicator that other potential contaminants are moving through the soil profile into the groundwater.
To learn more about the origins of nitrate and what you can look for as potential sources on your property visit http://wellwater.oregonstate.edu/nitrate