Inorganic Medium Risk
Nitrite
Blue baby syndrome in infants
Sources: Fertilizer runoff, Septic tanks, Sewage treatment
Regulatory Limit
Zero EPA Limit (1 mg/L)
*Levels above the EPA limit are considered unsafe.
MCL Value
1 mg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0 mg/L
Violating Systems
6 nationwide
Affected Population
4.6M estimated
Avg Detected Level
0.5709 mg/L in affected systems
Health Risk Assessment
Exposure to Nitrite in drinking water is regulated because of its potential to cause blue baby syndrome in infants. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 1 mg/L to protect public health.
Note: Long-term exposure above the MCL can significantly increase health risks.
Detailed Health Effects
Blue baby syndrome in infants
Common Sources
1
Fertilizer runoff 2
Septic tanks 3
Sewage treatment National Overview
Total Tests
69
Violations Found
6
Violation Rate
8.7%
Top States by Violations
Most Affected Systems
77
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
B PA5020012 Pittsburgh, PA
302,971 served
77
San Diego County Water Authority
B CA3710020 San Diego, CA
3,300,000 served
85
Harpeth Valley Utility District
B TN0000461 Nashville, TN
150,000 served
73
Fairbanks Water Utility
B AK2020211 Fairbanks, AK
32,325 served
89
City of Toledo Water Treatment
B OH4810001 Toledo, OH
270,871 served
69
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities
C NC0132011 Charlotte, NC
500,000 served
Treatment Methods
Ion exchange
Reverse osmosis
Is this in your water?
Find out if your local water system has detected Nitrite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nitrite and why is it in drinking water?
Nitrite is a inorganic contaminant. Common sources include: Fertilizer runoff, Septic tanks, Sewage treatment.
What are the health effects of Nitrite in drinking water?
Blue baby syndrome in infants
What is the EPA limit for Nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Nitrite is 1 mg/L.
How can I remove Nitrite from my water?
Effective treatment methods for removing Nitrite include: Ion exchange, Reverse osmosis.
How do I test my water for Nitrite?
You can check your water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for Nitrite levels, or use a certified home water testing kit. WaterQ provides the latest EPA test data for all public water systems.