Nitrite in Colorado Drinking Water
Colorado has 5,105 public water systems. 3654 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
5,105
With Violations
3,654
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
7.5M
Nitrite in Colorado: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,105
Systems with Violations
3,654
Lead Violations
17
Copper Violations
238
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Colorado
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| DEER MOUNTAIN CABINS | 20 | 3527 |
| HAPPY CAMPER RV PARK | 40 | 2875 |
| CREEKSIDE SOUTH ESTATES METRO DISTRICT | 160 | 2820 |
| ESTATES AT BROMLEY | 150 | 2787 |
| MAY VALLEY WA | 2K | 2247 |
| PACHECO TRAILER PARK | 36 | 2060 |
| PAINT BRUSH HILLS | 5K | 1810 |
| EAST CHERRY CREEK VALLEY WSD | 66K | 1783 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in Colorado water?
Colorado has 5,105 public water systems. 3654 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Colorado water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants