Nitrite in Maine Drinking Water
Maine has 6,141 public water systems. 3962 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
6,141
With Violations
3,962
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
922K
Nitrite in Maine: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
6,141
Systems with Violations
3,962
Lead Violations
32
Copper Violations
221
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Maine
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| SHELBYS CAFE LLC | 150 | 1500 |
| MAINE BRAND MANUFACTURING | 80 | 1449 |
| ITTY-BITTY DINER | 84 | 1030 |
| BIRCH TREE MEADOWS MHP | 105 | 1017 |
| HOME INC & LEARNING CENTER | 36 | 897 |
| STANDISH BAPTIST CHURCH | 73 | 879 |
| WEST SHORE DEVELOPMENT | 50 | 875 |
| MILLIES | 58 | 861 |
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 Maine water?
Maine has 6,141 public water systems. 3962 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 Maine 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