Nitrite in Louisiana Drinking Water
Louisiana has 5,089 public water systems. 3016 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
5,089
With Violations
3,016
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
5.3M
Nitrite in Louisiana: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,089
Systems with Violations
3,016
Lead Violations
40
Copper Violations
200
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Louisiana
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| EAST MOORINGSPORT WATER SYSTEM | 0 | 2267 |
| TOWN OF FERRIDAY WATER SYSTEM | 4K | 2042 |
| EAST COVE UTILITIES | 450 | 1843 |
| FAIRVIEW UNION WATER SYSTEM | 2K | 1589 |
| HUDSON GAARS MILL WATER SYSTEM | 660 | 1416 |
| S AND J RV PARK | 87 | 1286 |
| VILLAGE OF SIKES WATER SYSTEM | 639 | 1279 |
| VILLAGE OF CALVIN WATER SYSTEM | 591 | 1195 |
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 Louisiana water?
Louisiana has 5,089 public water systems. 3016 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 Louisiana 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