Getting rid of nitrates in water is possible. There are a number of methods available. You can use reverse osmosis, boiling, or diluting the water with other water.
Reverse osmosis
Using reverse osmosis water treatment systems is a great way to remove nitrates from your water. Depending on the type of reverse osmosis system you purchase, it can be effective in removing most of the nitrate safe water.
Reverse osmosis is a water treatment method that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants. Water passes through the membrane, which separates pure hydrogen and oxygen from the contaminants. In this way, the water is cleaned of contaminants such as nitrates and bacteria.
Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are considered the best way to remove nitrates from water. In most cases, they will remove nitrates to below legal levels.
The ion exchange process is another common method used for water treatment. This method uses chloride ions to remove nitrates. It is often used in traditional water softeners.
Reverse osmosis systems are designed to provide clean and safe water for your family. They are typically installed at a point of use, such as a kitchen tap. However, there are also whole house reverse osmosis systems available.
Boiling
Among the many concerns of drinking water, one of the most serious is the presence of high nitrate levels. This can be a health concern for families with infants. Luckily, there are ways to reduce nitrate levels in drinking water.
Nitrates are naturally occurring nitrogen compounds that are metabolized by the soil and other natural sources. They enter water supplies through agricultural runoff and septic systems. They are odorless and tasteless, but can cause health problems when exposed to large amounts.
If you are concerned about the nitrate levels in your water, you can have it tested. There are several options for testing your water, including contacting a local health department, sending a sample to a certified laboratory, or buying a water test kit.
If your water test kit shows high levels of nitrate, you need to replace your water source. A shallow well is particularly vulnerable to nitrate contamination. Wells that have been properly constructed with casing, grout, and adequate diversion ditches should be safe.
Dilute with other water
Several studies have linked nitrates and nitrites to cancer and other health conditions. These are known as methemoglobinemia and are commonly known as the “blue baby syndrome”. Nitrate is a component of many foods, including processed meats.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to nitrate-induced methemoglobinemia. Nitrate is converted by bacteria in the infant’s stomach into nitrite. Nitrite interferes with blood carrying oxygen to the cells. If nitrite is not removed, the infant may develop methemoglobinemia and die.
There are many ways to eliminate nitrates from water. Some methods include blending, boiling, softening, and reverse osmosis. Nitrate-nitrogen should not exceed the drinking water quality standard of 45 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N).
High nitrates in water are especially dangerous to infants, pregnant women, and breast-fed infants. High nitrates may increase the risk of premature delivery, premature labor, preeclampsia, and spontaneous miscarriages.
Nitrate in water is difficult to eliminate. Many sources of nitrate include fertilizers, sewage, manure, and industrial wastes. Nitrate contamination must be addressed to protect the health of humans, animals, and plants.
Prevention of nitrate contamination
Keeping families and animals safe from nitrate contamination is vital. While nitrate is naturally occurring in water, it can build up from animal waste, sewage, and some agricultural practices. It can be a serious threat to infants, livestock, and the environment.
Acute nitrate poisoning symptoms include labored breathing, labored heartbeat, sluggish gait, and rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, it may result in convulsions, coma, or death within two to three hours.
It is important to keep nitrate levels below 50 milligrams per liter. This is the maximum acceptable concentration for public water systems. If levels are higher, it is important to remove the nitrate to protect your family.
Nitrate can be removed from water by boiling it. It can also be treated by ion exchange. Ion exchange involves the use of special resin beads charged with chloride. The water is then passed through a neutralizing system. The resin beads will take up sulfate in exchange for chloride. This reduces the resin’s capacity to take up nitrate.