Removing Nitrates From Water In Minnesota

Many homeowners don’t realize how important removing nitrates from water in Minnesota really is. But at Aquarius Water Conditioning, we’re very familiar with the issues that nitrates can cause. We also know how to eliminate those issues once and for all. Here’s some information on why nitrates can be a problem and how we can help address any contamination in your home.

Nitrates – The Basic Facts

Nitrates are natural substances. You’ll find them in every groundwater aquifer that exists. They can be found just about anywhere, but they’re especially prevalent in agricultural watersheds – specifically those where farmers use animal manure and inorganic fertilizers. Nitrogen, one form of nitrate, will often leach from soil into groundwater. It will then find its way into a human water source, such as a well. 

This isn’t as much of an issue for people on municipal water systems. But for those who use private wells, the risk is very real. Many people in rural areas will use on-lot septic systems as well. These can also be sources of nitrates.

Why You Should Care

One of the biggest health threats associated with excessive nitrates in drinking water is a terrifying condition known as “blue-baby syndrome,” or methemoglobinemia. This can occur in babies who are fed formula mixed with water contaminated by nitrates.

A baby’s stomach converts the nitrates in its formula into a substance known as nitrite. This latches onto the oxygen molecules found in the baby’s red blood cells. This eventually depletes that baby’s oxygen supply – in some cases, to the point that the child can’t breathe. The risk is typically the highest between 0-4 months of age.

This very serious condition leads to the skin near the mouth and eyes taking on a bluish tint, hence the blue-baby syndrome name. 

The good news is that if methemoglobinemia is caught early enough, it can be easily diagnosed and quickly reversed. Once a baby hits about the six-month mark, the risk of developing the condition is significantly reduced. The reason is this is about the time when the bacteria that turn nitrates into nitrite are no longer present in their stomach. 

Unfortunately, pregnant women can sometimes pass nitrates to a developing fetus. Also, nitrates have been linked to low birth weight, which carries potentially severe health risks.

How to Get Rid of Nitrates in Your Water

Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are very successful at removing nitrates. RO is basically a process that dilutes water to the point where nitrates and other types of contaminants are eliminated. Of course, there’s a lot more to RO, but we figure you didn’t come here for a science lesson.

Aquarius Water Conditioning carries the K5 water filtration system from Kinetico, the undisputed leader in water purification products. The K5 not only gets rid of nitrates but other potentially dangerous substances as well. We can come to your home, test your water, and then install a K5 system that will provide you with incredible peace of mind.

We will be glad to tell you more about removing nitrates from water in Minnesota. Get in touch with Aquarius Water Conditioning by calling us at 888-741-9025 or contacting us online.