Groundwater and Health
Nitrogen
Nitrogen pollution also leads to human health concerns about groundwater contamination. Nitrogen filters down through the soil easily and can enter drinking wells. The federal safety standard for nitrate is 10 mg/L, and 6.5% of Wisconsin's private wells exceed this safety standard.- Infants and Pregnant or Nursing Women -Infants less than six months are most susceptible to nitrate poisoning. High nitrate levels in groundwater can reduce the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, causing a fatal condition in infants called "blue baby syndrome". Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid water with high nitrate levels.
- Other Adults -Adults with heart or lung disease, certain inherited enzyme defects, or cancer may have increased sensitivity to the toxic effects, and adults with lifetime exposures to high nitrate levels may experience related health issues.
- Livestock - For the same reasons, deaths can also occur in livestock that drink from a water supply high in nitrates.
To get your private drinking water tested for nitrates, click here.
