Nitrogen in our daily lives Nitrogen is used to manufacture many products that we use in our daily lives. This is because nitrate is very mobile and easily moves with water. The concern of nitrates and water quality is generally directed at groundwater. However, nitrates can also enter surface waters such as ponds, streams and rivers. Nitrates in the soil result from natural biological processes associated with the decomposition of plant residues and organic matter.
Nitrates can also come from animal manure and nitrogen fertilizers.
If depth to groundwater is shallow and the underlying soil is sandy, the potential for nitrates to enter groundwater is relatively high. However, if depth to groundwater is deep and the underlying soil is heavy clay, groundwater contamination from nitrates is not likely. Once nitrates get into the groundwater, the greatest concerns are for infants less than one year old and for young or pregnant animals. High levels of nitrates can be toxic to newborns, causing anoxia , or internal suffocation. Do not boil water to eliminate nitrates.