Protect Your Drinking Water Nitrate in Private Wells
Private wells are not regulated and require
Nitrate in Drinking Water Nitrate is a compound that occurs naturally and also comes from human-made sources. It is present in some lakes, rivers, and groundwater in Nebraska. Nitrate cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in drinking water. Consuming high levels of nitrate can be harmful, especially for babies. High nitrate exposure can cause a condition known as blue baby syndrome, which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Infants under six months of age and pregnant women are at the greatest risk for health effects from elevated nitrate levels. When Should You Test? Every year After flooding or heavy rainfall If your well is shallow, older, or near cropland or abandoned well
regular testing.
Contact your local Natural Resource District to get a testing kit www.nrdnet.org
Nitrate seeps into the ground where it can get into drinking water, particularly in private wells. Water is more likely to enter a shallow well, a well with damaged casings and fittings, a well not within a clay barrier underground, or nearby unplugged or abandoned wells.
Abandoned Unplugged Well
Rainfall
Well
Farm fertilizers and pesticides
Animal waste
Septic system in disrepair
Aquifer
Groundwater
Bedrock
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