High Nitrate Levels in Drinking Water System Advisories

Nitrate is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in soil and may enter drinking water, particularly in areas where farming and food production take place. While moderate levels of nitrate generally do not affect health, elevated nitrate levels in drinking water are a health concern for pregnant women, bottle-fed infants under six months old, and babies less than 1 year old.

Infants under six months old cannot properly break down nitrates, which can lead to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, commonly referred to as blue-baby syndrome. In this condition, nitrates convert into nitrites in the baby’s body, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of their blood. This can cause the baby’s skin to turn blue and may require urgent medical attention.

If nitrate levels in drinking water exceed 10 mg/L, it is recommended to use an alternative water supply for infants up to one year of age to prepare baby formula and food or to use ready-to-use formula. Breastmilk is not affected by nitrates and remains safe for infants.

PLEASE NOTE: Boiling water will not remove nitrates. Please do not consume water, even after boiling. Boiling can increase nitrate levels because as water evaporates during boiling, the concentration of nitrates in the remaining water increases.

Current Nitrate Level Advisories

The following drinking water systems have nitrate levels above 10mg/l: