Nitrate and nitrite
Smiths Crossing Water Association
Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 0.684 ppm | 5 | 5 | 0.610 ppm - 0.900 ppm |
2015 | 0.602 ppm | 5 | 5 | 0.490 ppm - 0.680 ppm |
2016 | 0.500 ppm | 5 | 3 | ND - 0.950 ppm |
2017 | 0.938 ppm | 5 | 5 | 0.740 ppm - 1.08 ppm |
2018 | 1.17 ppm | 5 | 5 | 0.990 ppm - 1.30 ppm |
2019 | 0.638 ppm | 5 | 4 | ND - 0.800 ppm |
ppm = parts per million
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 0.14 ppm
The health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 10 ppm
ppm = parts per million
All test results
Date | Lab ID | Result |
---|---|---|
2014-05-14 | 140515-019NI | 0.670 ppm |
2014-05-14 | 140515-018NI | 0.620 ppm |
2014-05-14 | 140515-017NI | 0.610 ppm |
2014-05-14 | 140515-016NI | 0.620 ppm |
2014-05-14 | 140515-008NI | 0.900 ppm |
2015-05-13 | 150514-039NI | 0.680 ppm |
2015-05-13 | 150514-038NI | 0.670 ppm |
2015-05-13 | 150514-037NI | 0.490 ppm |
2015-05-13 | 150514-036NI | 0.680 ppm |
2015-05-13 | 150514-035NI | 0.490 ppm |
2016-05-24 | 160525-012NI | ND |
2016-05-24 | 160525-024NI | 0.780 ppm |
2016-05-24 | 160525-023NI | 0.770 ppm |
2016-05-24 | 160525-017NI | ND |
2016-05-24 | 160525-015NI | 0.950 ppm |
2017-03-28 | 170329-053NI | 1.08 ppm |
2017-03-28 | 170329-052NI | 1.06 ppm |
2017-03-28 | 170329-051NI | 0.760 ppm |
2017-03-28 | 170329-049NI | 1.05 ppm |
2017-03-28 | 170329-046NI | 0.740 ppm |
2018-04-03 | 180404-017NI | 1.29 ppm |
2018-04-03 | 180404-016NI | 1.30 ppm |
2018-04-03 | 180404-015NI | 0.990 ppm |
2018-04-03 | 180404-014NI | 0.990 ppm |
2018-04-03 | 180404-013NI | 1.27 ppm |
2019-04-09 | 190410-011NI | 0.800 ppm |
2019-04-09 | 190410-015NI | ND |
2019-04-09 | 190410-014NI | 0.790 ppm |
2019-04-09 | 190410-013NI | 0.800 ppm |
2019-04-09 | 190410-012NI | 0.800 ppm |