Drinking Water Toxics Programs

Nitrates in your drinking water can be dangerous to your baby.

What are Nitrates?

Nitrates are naturally occurring chemicals commonly found in your drinking water at low levels, around three parts per million (3 ppm) or less. Nitrates can not be seen or tasted, so good tasting water does not necessarily mean safe water.

Elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water wells usually come from fertilizer or manure leaching into the ground water. Once the level exceeds ten ppm, there is some evidence that the water may be unsafe for very young babies. Specifically, research has shown a link between elevated nitrate levels and "blue baby" disease. Remember, this concern applies to you only if:

you are feeding your baby with formula you mix with tap water, and

your private well has tested positive for nitrates above ten ppm.

What is "blue baby" disease?

"Blue baby" disease is caused by high nitrates in your baby's blood. Babies under four months old are at most risk for health effects. High levels of nitrates can get into your baby's blood through formula mixed with contaminated water. These nitrates prevent oxygen from being carried in your baby's blood. Low oxygen in the blood will cause babies to have blue-colored skin, which is why the disease is commonly called "blue baby" disease. This disease is also called "methemoglobinemia." The color change may be hard to see for babies with darker colored skin.

Some symptoms include signs of blueness around the mouth, hands, or feet, or diarrhea and vomiting. Also, you may notice that he or she may not gaining weight. In severe cases babies may have breathing problems.

Older children and adults usually do not

have health effects from high nitrate levels in drinking water. Their bodies have systems to protect them. Very young babies have not yet developed this protection system in their bodies.

What can I do?

If you have a private well and suspect nitrates may be in your water, have it tested for nitrates. Your county health unit can do the test. You do not need to be concerned if your test shows under ten parts per million (10 ppm). Public water systems are required to routinely test for nitrates and many other hazardous substances, and are required to notify you if any health concerns are detected.

If your nitrates are more than 10 ppm, and you have been feeding your baby formula mixed with tap water

• Use bottled water for mixing formula, or
• Breast-feed your baby, or
• Use canned premixed formula.

Third, talk to your county health department. They may help you find the source of the nitrates. They can help you in deciding on other sources of drinking water.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please call your county health department environmental health section.