How Do You Treat Nitrates In Well Water?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine safe levels of contaminants like nitrates in drinking water. A nitrate is a compound that forms when nitrogen combines with oxygen. It can develop naturally in groundwater; however, nitrates can also enter wells through fertilization, septic systems, or improper well construction. High levels of nitrate contamination can cause a variety of health problems, especially for pregnant women or babies. Although private wells are not under EPA regulation, the agency encourages private well owners to follow their water safety and quality guidelines. Call your state water certification officer for a list of state-certified labs that will test your water. The EPA maintains a list of contact information for state certification officers on its website. Contact one of these certified labs to perform quality tests on your drinking water. The EPA recommends that you have your we
