Nitrite in District of Columbia Drinking Water
District of Columbia has 48 public water systems. 19 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
48
With Violations
19
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
701K
Nitrite in District of Columbia: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
48
Systems with Violations
19
Lead Violations
2
Copper Violations
4
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in District of Columbia
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| PASCHAL SHERMAN INDIAN SCHOOL | 220 | 195 |
| WA HE LUT INDIAN SCHOOL | 175 | 114 |
| Eastern Navajo Agency - BIE | 455 | 112 |
| Chi Chil Tah Jones Ranch Community School - BIE | 137 | 94 |
| D.C. WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY | 632K | 82 |
| JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA - BOLLING | 19K | 81 |
| Fort Wingate Community | 550 | 67 |
| Bread Springs Day School (New) - BIE | 115 | 66 |
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 District of Columbia water?
District of Columbia has 48 public water systems. 19 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 District of Columbia 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