| Nitrate
in Your Water
What
is Nitrate?
Nitrate is a chemical, like salt. We get nitrate in food and in water. Usually,
water is a fairly minor source of nitrate. However, sometimes water has high levels
of nitrate - then it is a significant source.
Where
is it found?
Nitrate that is found in water is often due to run off from manure and
fertilizers.
Nitrates are naturally present in many foods like carrots and spinach. Nitrates are
also added to certain foods such as bacon and wieners.
Is it harmful?
If the level is 10 mg/l or higher do not use the water to feed your baby. This is
very important if your infant is younger than 6 months. BOILING THE WATER WILL NOT
GET RID OF THE NITRATE.
What can I do?
If the level is 10 mg/l or higher it would be safest for older children and adults
to limit their consumption of this water as well. Eating plenty of vitamin C rich
foods like oranges and grapefruit also helps by preventing nitrates from becoming
nitrites.
For more
information contact a Public Health Inspector:
MAIN
OFFICE
458 Laurier Blvd
Brockville,
Ontario
K6V 7A3
613-345-5685
fax 613-345-2879 |
BRANCH
OFFICE
52 Abbott Street N., Unit 2
Smiths Falls,
Ontario
K7A 1W3
613-283-2740
fax 613-283-1679 |
Links
Ministry of the Environment
US Environmental Protection Agency
To
the top
|
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
Home Page 
