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Idaho Researchers Discover Source of Nitrate Contamination in Well Water

Posted by James Layton on
Idaho Researchers Discover Source of Nitrate Contamination in Well Water

We knew from past studies that there were some pretty high levels of nitrates in private wells….but there was not clear evidence of where it came from.”

A study of well-water contamination conducted by Idaho State University researchers determined that the source of contamination was from septic systems. Sarah Godsey, ISU assistant professor of geosciences noted “We knew from past studies that there were some pretty high levels of nitrates in private wells….but there was not clear evidence of where it came from.”

With sophisticated test methods, they were able to determine that the nitrate was from septic systems, not agricultural run-off. Nitrogen is essential for all living things, but high levels of nitrate in drinking water can be dangerous to health, especially for infants and pregnant women. Methemoglobinemia is a condition where the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body and brain. High levels of nitrate in well water often result from improper well construction, well location, or improper disposal of human waste. More information on this study can be found here.


Nitrate can be found in well and municipal water supplies. If you would like to check your drinking water for nitrate you would normally have to send a water sample to a lab at a cost of $35 or more. The Health-Metric Drinking Water Test is a simple test kit that you can use at home. No need to send in a water sample and wait for the results. With the Health-Metric Drinking Water Test kit you’ll be able to test for nitrate and other contaminants and get answers fast and at a fraction of the cost of expensive laboratory tests. The Drinking Water Test kit is available here. Order yours today and find out if your drinking water is safe!

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