Nitrite in North Dakota Drinking Water
North Dakota has 1,606 public water systems. 1101 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
1,606
With Violations
1,101
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
751K
Nitrite in North Dakota: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
1,606
Systems with Violations
1,101
Lead Violations
5
Copper Violations
115
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in North Dakota
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| PRAIRIE ACRES | 100 | 563 |
| DAKOTA MAGIC CASINO | 2K | 309 |
| WILLOWBANK COLONY | 95 | 280 |
| CRARY CITY OF | 142 | 267 |
| ALMONT CITY OF | 122 | 253 |
| SELFRIDGE CITY OF | 160 | 251 |
| ROSS CITY OF | 97 | 236 |
| KARLSRUHE CITY OF | 82 | 235 |
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 North Dakota water?
North Dakota has 1,606 public water systems. 1101 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 North Dakota 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