Nitrite in Vermont Drinking Water
Vermont has 4,304 public water systems. 1900 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
4,304
With Violations
1,900
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
635K
Nitrite in Vermont: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
4,304
Systems with Violations
1,900
Lead Violations
43
Copper Violations
115
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Vermont
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| LARNED WATER SYSTEM | 155 | 5003 |
| ALLEN POINT WATER SYSTEM | 40 | 2965 |
| FORBES WATER SYSTEM | 34 | 1609 |
| HIGHLITE INDUSTRIAL PARK | 67 | 1586 |
| MOUNTAIN PARK | 679 | 1410 |
| STRATTON MOUNTAIN MAINTENANCE BUILDING | 30 | 1317 |
| SUNSET FARMS MHP | 34 | 1152 |
| SOUTH RYEGATE WATER COOP | 25 | 1139 |
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 Vermont water?
Vermont has 4,304 public water systems. 1900 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 Vermont 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