Nitrite in Indiana Drinking Water
Indiana has 9,915 public water systems. 7577 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
9,915
With Violations
7,577
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
5.7M
Nitrite in Indiana: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
9,915
Systems with Violations
7,577
Lead Violations
119
Copper Violations
249
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Indiana
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| WILLOW SPRINGS MHP | 25 | 4792 |
| MEADOW RIDGE APARTMENTS | 27 | 3301 |
| PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH | 90 | 3151 |
| NORTHWOODS PARK ASSOCIATION | 50 | 2563 |
| SERVIA WATER WORKS | 105 | 2529 |
| FOREST RIVER - RANCE ALUMINUM, DIV. 46 | 40 | 2489 |
| REDWOOD MOBILE HOME PARK | 45 | 2349 |
| SHADY OAK MOBILE COURT | 257 | 2319 |
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 Indiana water?
Indiana has 9,915 public water systems. 7577 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 Indiana 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