NO 3 -N should be checked again in 2 to 3 years. Although these wells meet federal nitrate drinking water standards, it is probable that human activity has introduced nitrate into water in the vicinity of these wells since detected NO 3 -N levels are greater than normal, natural nitrate values in aquifers. Changes in the management of nitrogen fertilization may be warranted. Where wells contained more than 10 ppm NO 3 -N, action is needed. If children live in households with wells containing more than 10 ppm NO 3 -N, alternate water sources or water treatment devices should be considered.
Humans ingest nitrate in food and water.
In older children and adults, nitrate is ingested, absorbed from the digestive tract, and excreted rapidly in the urine. Healthy human adults can consume fairly large amounts of nitrate with no short-term adverse effects. The health effects of chronic, long-term consumptions of high levels of nitrate are uncertain. Infants younger than 6 months are believed to be susceptible to nitrate poisoning. Newborn infants have little acid in their digestive tracts, and they depend on these bacteria to help digest food.