Nitrite in Iowa Drinking Water
Iowa has 5,369 public water systems. 3565 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
5,369
With Violations
3,565
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
3.1M
Nitrite in Iowa: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,369
Systems with Violations
3,565
Lead Violations
18
Copper Violations
224
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Iowa
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| CORYDON WATER SUPPLY | 2K | 1441 |
| WILLIAMS TRAVEL CENTER | 610 | 992 |
| CORNING MUNI WATER DEPARTMENT | 2K | 893 |
| CHURDAN WATER SUPPLY | 375 | 875 |
| MIDWAY WATER AND LIGHTING | 72 | 841 |
| AUNT DHARMA'S SANDBAR ON THE WAPSI LLC | 27 | 832 |
| BLOOMFIELD MUNI WATER DEPT | 3K | 793 |
| LACINA MEADOWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | 58 | 775 |
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 Iowa water?
Iowa has 5,369 public water systems. 3565 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 Iowa 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