Nitrite in Michigan Drinking Water
Michigan has 27,019 public water systems. 16349 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
27,019
With Violations
16,349
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
9.1M
Nitrite in Michigan: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
27,019
Systems with Violations
16,349
Lead Violations
161
Copper Violations
260
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Michigan
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY SCHOOLHOUSE DAY CARE (DANFORTH) | 68 | 1313 |
| RODGERS LAKE | 530 | 918 |
| BENTON HARBOR | 9K | 843 |
| GREEN BROOK ESTATES | 40 | 768 |
| BECK VILLAGE PLAZA LLC | 200 | 620 |
| DEERFIELD | 943 | 600 |
| FREEPORT | 483 | 566 |
| SAGANING | 6K | 486 |
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 Michigan water?
Michigan has 27,019 public water systems. 16349 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 Michigan 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