THE CHALLENGE:
CLEAN DRINKING WATER IS CRITICAL FOR YOUR PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
- Despite our image of Earth as "the blue water planet", supplies of uncontaminated waters are crucial, yet fragile, resources. While nitrate occurs naturally, it is possible that too much can leach into groundwater and cause contamination. High levels in groundwater can result from a poor working septic system, as well as other agricultural or industrial practices.
- When nitrate is measured above 10 ppm (parts per million), we are exposed to various health risks such as miscarriages, thyroid disorders, and birth defects. Infants exposed to water contaminated by nitrate are at a high risk of methemoglobinemia. In the United States, the total number of all water-borne illness each year is estimated to be 19.5 million a year!