NITRATES - undetectable smell or taste

 

Nitrate (NO3) is a naturally occurring form of nitrogen (N) which is very mobile in water.  It is essential for plant growth and is used to improve soil productivity.  After a rainfall or irrigation, dissolved nitrate will run-off into surface water and move through the soil into the groundwater. 

 

Nitrate contamination of ground and surface water is a growing environmental concern that has been linked to the agricultural industry and confined animal operations. 

 

 

Rapid growth of the poultry industry, particularly here in Georgia, has resulted in a significant increase of nitrate contamination in our water.

 

 

Nitrates are detrimental to the health of humans and animals.  Methemoglobinemia or “blue-baby” syndrome, a fatal condition that attacks the digestive tract of infants, is caused by nitrate contaminated drinking water.