Nitrate In Water: Explained
A Complete Guide
Nitrates in water are an invisible threat that often come from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, or agricultural waste. While they don’t affect taste or smell, nitrates can pose serious health risks—especially for infants and pregnant women. With proper testing and a trusted treatment system, you can ensure your water is clean and safe to drink.
EWU Training Guide
Understanding Nitrates In Water
And How To Remove Them
Nitrates are colourless, odourless compounds that enter drinking water primarily through fertilizer runoff, decaying vegetation, or leaking septic systems. Though they can’t be detected by taste or smell, high nitrate levels pose serious health risks—especially for infants, where they can cause “blue baby syndrome” and interfere with oxygen delivery in the blood.
In this guide, we’ll explain how nitrates end up in your water supply, how to properly test for them, and the best ways to treat elevated nitrate levels. You’ll also learn about tools like Purolite’s PRSM system, which is designed to help water professionals select the most effective nitrate removal solutions for your home.
Here’s what you’ll learn about:
- How Nitrates get into our water
- How to identify and test for Nitrates
- Proper ways to treat Nitrates
- Purolite's PRSM tool
How To Treat Nitrates in Your Homes Drinking Water
Removing nitrates from drinking water requires targeted filtration technologies designed to eliminate dissolved contaminants at a molecular level. Two of the most effective treatment methods are reverse osmosis and ion exchange. Reverse osmosis systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, filtering out nitrates and other harmful compounds. Ion exchange systems work by replacing nitrate ions with harmless ones—typically chloride—using specialized resin. Both methods are proven, reliable, and widely recommended for homes with well water or elevated nitrate levels. The best choice depends on your specific water chemistry, system needs, and whether you require point-of-use or whole-home treatment.
- Reverse Osmosis – Filters nitrates using a semi-permeable membrane
- Ion Exchange – Swaps nitrate ions with safe ions like chloride
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Why Choose
Nelson Water?
Nelson Water has been a trusted leader in the water treatment industry for over three decades. We are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our extensive experience and dedication to quality ensure that your water treatment needs are met with expertise and reliability, making us the premier choice for water solutions in your area.