Nitrite in Missouri Drinking Water
Missouri has 6,167 public water systems. 4797 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
6,167
With Violations
4,797
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
6.0M
Nitrite in Missouri: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
6,167
Systems with Violations
4,797
Lead Violations
31
Copper Violations
71
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Missouri
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| THE MISSING WELL | 173 | 1555 |
| STARLIGHT VILLAGE | 65 | 1468 |
| LAKE FOREST PROPERTIES | 33 | 1402 |
| HIDDEN VALLEY MHP LLC | 60 | 1400 |
| CLEAR CREEK RV PARK | 100 | 1209 |
| MORELANDS CATFISH PATCH & STEAK HOUSE | 45 | 874 |
| STATELY MANSION MOBILE VILLA | 100 | 860 |
| STARRLITE VILLAGE 4TH ADDITION | 55 | 846 |
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 Missouri water?
Missouri has 6,167 public water systems. 4797 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 Missouri 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