How to Test for Nitrates in Water in 2023

Last updated on January 2nd, 2023

Nitrate, a byproduct of nitrogen and oxygen combining, is a common contaminant in domestic wells across the United States. Despite nitrogen’s vital role in human survival, research has shown that exposure to nitrates in drinking water can cause serious health problems. In this article, I’ll explain how to test for nitrates in water and make it into your drinking water, how to do nitrate testing in water, and what to do if you discover them.

As a good owner, you want to keep your nitrate levels as low as possible. However, unless you have your water tested, you won’t know if there are dangerously high levels of nitrate in it.

What is Nitrate?

Nitrate (NO3) is a salt that consists of nitrogen and oxygen. Decomposing matter, including plant and animal wastes, releases nitrogen into the atmosphere. Nitrates play a crucial role in plant development by enabling the synthesis of amino acids and proteins. Since nitrate is easily dissolved in water, any excess that isn’t taken up by plants can seep into the ground.

What Are The Accepted Levels Of Nitrates In Water?

Level	Concern
10 mg/L (measured as nitrogen)	The standard limit for nitrate
45 mg/L (expressed as nitrate)	Causes adverse health effects
Above 10 mg/L (measured as nitrogen)	Causes adverse health effects
Above 10 mg/L	Consult a health professional

What Causes Nitrate In Water?

Since nitrate has no discernible properties, it is possible to consume excessive amounts of it without realizing it. This contaminant can only be detected through testing, so you must do so if you suspect that your water supply may be tainted.

Human activities such as dumping garbage, using fertilizers, having an on-site sewage system, having wastewater treated, having animals poop in the streets, having cities drain into rivers, having septic tanks, having factories produce waste, and processing food all contribute to water pollution. The rapid growth of cities and the widespread use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture are also major contributors to the pollution of surface water.

Nitrate Testing Procedure 

Different nitrate water testing methods have varying degrees of precision.

1. Nitrate test strips can be found in several different varieties. There is a nitrate test strip available from Quantofix that can detect concentrations between 5 and 100 mg/l. Simple to use, just dip it into the liquid. False positives on a nitrate test can be avoided with this device thanks to the addition of a reading pad for Nitrite. 
2. Cell tests – the most extensive variety of Nitrate tests are cell or cuvette tests, which are conducted in a colorimeter, multiparameter instrument, or water quality spectrophotometer.
3. Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) – Nitrate measurements can be taken over a wide range of concentrations using an ion meter. However, these devices need to be regularly calibrated and are not ideal for all users.

How To Test Nitrate With Mixed Acid Reagent?

1. Put some sample water in the bottle. If you must take the sample by hand, protect your hands by wearing gloves.
2. First, use the sample bottle’s water to rehydrate a test tube and fill it to the 2.5 mL mark.
3. Use the Mixed Acid Reagent to dilute to the 5 mL mark. In other words, shake well and seal the cap. Please hold on for 2 minutes.
4. One level measure can be added using the 0.1 g spoon (avoid any 50-60 times in one minute). Don’t touch anything for the next ten minutes.
5. Get out your Nitrate Nitrogen Comparator and pop in that test tube. Comparing the color swatch to a reference standard. Write down the result in milligrams per milliliter (parts per million) of nitrate in the liquid (NO3-N). Multiply by 4.4 to get milligrams per milligram of nitrate (NO3).
6. After the reaction, store the sample in a labeled container. The proper disposal of toxic materials requires coordination with specialists in the field.

How to test for nitrates in water with test strips?

• Taking the CL/CO/NA/NI test strip out of its packaging.
• You should take the final strip from the roll that doesn’t have pads.
• Keep the strip submerged in the sample for three dips before removing it.
• Don’t move your hand off the test strip for two seconds.
• The results for nitrate and nitrite can be read after 45 seconds when the strip is placed on the color chart.

Also Read: Springwell vs Pelican Water Softener

How Does Nitrate/Nitrite Get Into Well Water?

Nitrate is a chemical that occurs naturally in both ground and surface water. Nitrate contamination of a well can occur in several ways.

• Poorly built wells
• The physical coordinates of a well (i.e. near septic systems, animal feedlots, etc.)
• Disputed local waste management
• Over-fertilization of nearby areas
• Bad business methods in the industry
• Particularly shallow wells or wells that have been flooded for an extended period are at risk of nitrate contamination from sources such as septic systems during times of flooding.

How to Test for Nitrates in Drinking Water?

Well, water is more likely to contain harmful levels of nitrate and nitrite than municipal or city water, but there are a few ways to test for them.

There is not likely to be a nitrite, nitrate, nitrogen, etc., water testing kit available for home use. Nitrate testing is more involved, but it’s well worth the extra money to get an accurate reading on how much of this contaminant is in your water supply. In this case, I recommend checking out some testing from a reputable lab.

Independent, Recognized Laboratory Testing

There are likely numerous accredited labs in your state offering comprehensive nitrate testing for drinking water.

If you want your water tested by a reputable lab, you’ll need to take a sample and send it back in the provided vial or container. The lab will then need 48 hours to process the sample before emailing you the results.

What Can I Do If My Water Tests Positive for High Levels of Nitrate?

If you have a private well and nitrate-containing substances have been detected in the water, you should drink bottled water while you research the following treatment options.

Anion-Exchange Membrane Electrode

It is possible to remove nitrate from water using an ion exchange system, which is more commonly used to treat water hardness.

A water softener uses sodium ions to regenerate a resin bed inside the device. In this resin bed, hardness minerals are exchanged for sodium ions as water flows through it. A process known as “ion exchange” describes this phenomenon. Anion exchange involves the attraction of nitrate ions to chloride ions, resulting in the removal of both contaminants.

Once the resin bed is loaded with nitrate ions, it will regenerate, bringing back chloride ions that were lost during the process. This ensures that the anion exchange maintains its full efficiency for the duration of the unit’s service life.

Also Read: Springwell Water Filtration Reviews

Reverse osmosis

A semipermeable membrane, typically made of cellulose or plastic that looks like cellophane, is pushed against the incoming water as pressure builds. Ions, such as nitrates, are trapped on one side of the membrane, while ion-free water is allowed to pass through. Sediment filters, storage tanks, a membrane, and an activated carbon filter are all needed for reverse osmosis. The majority of these gadgets are operated at the sink or tap where they will be used.

Distillation

A distiller is a small appliance used for distillation. It boils, evaporates, and condenses water to produce alcohol. Nitrate and other impurities that don’t evaporate in the boiling process are left behind. The water then leaves the chamber and condenses into a clean collection vessel.

All but the tiniest of impurities can be boiled away in the distillation process. In addition to being cheap overall (some distillers can be purchased for $100 or less) and not requiring frequent filter changes, distillers are a frugal investment.

Pro Tip:

To the best of your ability, find out if nitrates and nitrites are present in your water supply if you are pregnant or have a young child at home. These contaminants present life-threatening risks to human health and should not be disregarded.

FAQs: how to test for nitrates in water

What is the point of nitrate water testing?

Fertilizers, animal waste, and sewage are three of the most common causes of nitrate contamination. It is crucial to routinely check the quality of your drinking water. Blue Baby Syndrome is a condition that affects bottle-fed infants younger than six months due to high nitrate levels in the water.

What takes nitrate out of water?

Removing nitrate from drinking water is possible through the use of ion exchange units, reverse osmosis, or distillation. It’s important to remember that boiling water isn’t a viable treatment option because it doesn’t get rid of nitrates. As water evaporates, nitrate levels rise. An ion exchange system functions similarly to a standard water softener in the home.

Final Words: how to test for nitrates in water 

The problem of nitrate pollution is very serious. Nitrate in drinking water has been linked to numerous health issues, including developmental delays and illness in children. Besides being harmful to people, livestock is also in danger from this. Water pollution caused by nitrogen has serious effects on both human health and the environment.

Several reports have shown that nitrogen pollution of water is becoming an increasingly serious problem around the world. To guarantee the quality, authenticity, and regulatory compliance necessary to keep customers safe and secure in the food processing, packaged drinking water, or pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, nitrate testing of water is essential.