Nitrates
A serious risk for infants and pregnant women — especially in rural Central Ohio well water.
Nitrates in Central Ohio
Nitrates are the most common chemical contaminant in Ohio private wells. Agricultural runoff — fertilizers and animal waste — is the primary source in Central Ohio's farming counties. The EPA limit of 10 mg/L is specifically set to protect infants under 6 months from "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia).
What Is Nitrates?
Nitrates enter groundwater primarily from agricultural fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste. Central Ohio's farming counties — Pickaway, Fairfield, and Licking — have some of the highest nitrate levels in the state. Unlike many contaminants, nitrates have no taste or odor. The primary health concern is for infants under 6 months, in whom nitrates interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with certain medical conditions are also at elevated risk.
Health Effects of Nitrates
Signs You May Have Nitrates in Your Water
No taste or odor
Nitrates are completely undetectable without testing. This makes regular well water testing essential.
Blue-tinged skin in infants
Methemoglobinemia causes a bluish discoloration of skin, especially around the mouth — a medical emergency.
Fatigue and shortness of breath
In adults, very high nitrate levels can cause fatigue, headache, and shortness of breath.
How to Remove Nitrates from Your Water
Not all filtration systems remove Nitrates. Here's what actually works.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
RecommendedRO is the most effective residential technology for nitrate removal, reducing levels by 83–92%. Essential for any home with infants or pregnant women on well water.
Anion Exchange (Nitrate-Selective Resin)
A whole-home nitrate-selective ion exchange system can treat all water in the home. Recommended when nitrate levels are very high or when whole-home treatment is needed.
Nitrates Questions & Answers
Related Contaminants
Synthetic chemicals that never break down — and accumulate in your body over time.
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water — especially for children under 6.
The #1 water problem for Central Ohio well water users — and more common in city water than you'd think.
Is Nitrates in Your Water?
The only way to know for certain is to test. We'll come to your home, test your water on the spot, and show you exactly what's in it — no pressure, no obligation.