Drinking Water - Nitrate
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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
25 Johnston Street,
Smiths Falls,
Ontario
K7A 0A4
613-283-2740
fax 613-283-1679 |
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