Nitrite in Drinking Water
EPA Limit (MCL)
1000 ug/L
EPA Goal (MCLG)
1000 ug/L
Status
Regulated
Health Effects
Like nitrate, nitrite interferes with the blood's ability to carry oxygen, posing a serious risk to infants (blue baby syndrome). It can also affect adults with certain health conditions.
How Nitrite Gets Into Water
Enters water from agricultural fertilizers, sewage, and natural processes that convert nitrate to nitrite. More commonly found in groundwater.
How to Remove Nitrite
Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation can remove nitrite from drinking water.
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
RO systems or specialized ion exchange filters can reduce nitrates, arsenic, and other inorganic contaminants.
Up to 95% removal depending on contaminant
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