Babies at highest risk Infants under six months are particularly at risk from drinking well-water bearing excessive nitrates.
Nitrates reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
In severe cases this can cause babies to turn blue. Immediate medical attention is necessary, because this serious condition can become fatal for these infants. Nitrate levels in well water tend to be highest in heavily-farmed areas. Fertilizer applications and animal manure are the principal sources of nitrates, which sink down into the water table from which well water is taken. Septic tanks can also increase nitrate levels.