What are the naturally occurring levels of nitrate the environment?
1.4 A: Nitrate concentrations in undisturbed surface and ground water are generally around 2 ppm nitrate-N 1.5 Q: What are the safe limits for nitrate in food and water 1.5 A: The EPA has set the maximum permissible limit for nitrate in potable water at 10 ppm nitrate-N. For nitrite the maximum permissible limit is 1 ppm nitrite-N. Nitrate is a naturally occurring substance in many vegetables (plants must take up nitrate to live), especially in root crops (carrots, beets, etc. Potatoes are an exception and are largely nitrate free.) These generally do not cause any problems, except in infants under six months of age. For more information, please see What are the health effects of over consumption of nitrate, below.
