Nitrate Removal and Why it is Important

What are the health effects of nitrates/nitrites?
Nitrate becomes toxic primarily when bacteria in our digestive system convert it to nitrite. The nitrite oxidizes iron in the hemoglobin of our red cells to form methemoglobin.   The most significant health effect associated with nitrate ingestion is methemoglobinemia in infants under 6 months old. Methemoglobinemia is often called "blue baby syndrome" because the affected infant's fingers, toes, arms and legs begin to turn blue. This condition results from high nitrite levels in the blood. 

Untreated, severe methemoglobinemia can result in brain damage and even death. Infants in the first 6 months of life are particularly susceptible to nitrite induced methemoglobinemia. Because infants live on a mainly liquid diet, they drink more water for their weight than do adults and, consequently, they ingest a much higher level of nitrate.

Get a Full Report Here on the Dangers of Nitrates

How is nitrate removed from drinking water?

Homeowners using public or private water supplies may choose to treat their water to remove the nitrate before use. The EPA has approved three treatment methods for removing nitrates/nitrites: ion exchange, reverse osmosis and electrodialysis.

Note: Our nitrate system is an ion exchange and used for High Levels in private wells or Commercial Applications. Our Enhanced System addresses Municipal water supplies using Chloramine that has a bi-Product of Nitrate and Nitrites. Our Reverse Osmosis will address Nitrates and Nitrites, but is limited to lower levels in Municipal Water Supplies. High levels of Nitrates or Nitrites or Both need pre-treatment of the Nitrate System so that a Reverse Osmosis can function efficiently. Residential and Commercial models available.

Look at our Spec Sheet!