Nitrite in Oregon Drinking Water
Oregon has 6,071 public water systems. 4428 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
6,071
With Violations
4,428
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
4.0M
Nitrite in Oregon: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
6,071
Systems with Violations
4,428
Lead Violations
51
Copper Violations
240
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Oregon
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| SANTIAM MEADOWS COMMUNITY WS | 40 | 1988 |
| HILAND WC - BEAR CREEK | 275 | 1799 |
| RIVER BEND WEST WATER | 24 | 1743 |
| GALICE SUBDIVISION WATER CO | 33 | 1619 |
| HILAND WC - BOULDER CREEK | 350 | 1380 |
| TROLLERS COVE WATER ASSN | 32 | 1224 |
| SPORTSMANS PARADISE MOTEL/TC | 52 | 1023 |
| INDIAN TRAIL WATER USERS ASSN | 75 | 981 |
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 Oregon water?
Oregon has 6,071 public water systems. 4428 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 Oregon 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