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Logo for Martin Water Conditioning featuring a blue graphic of a person carrying an object, followed by bold text MARTIN and smaller text WATER CONDITIONING underneath, reflecting expertise in water conditioning and reverse osmosis solutions.

Does Your Water

Contain Nitrates?

Respiratory troubles, digestive issues, or bluish skin may point to a dangerous chemical compound in your drinking water.
Schedule Your Free Water Test

Does Your Water

Contain Nitrates?

Respiratory troubles, digestive issues, or bluish skin may point to a dangerous chemical compound in your drinking water.
Schedule Your Free Water Test

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Operated

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50+

Years in Business

Why Early Testing Matters

Nitrates are one of many water contaminants that cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. So while your water may appear clean, it could still contain elevated levels of impurities. Even low levels of nitrates in your drinking water can have devastating effects on your health, which is why testing is so important to identify potential issues before they become more serious.

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Nitrates & Methemoglobinemia, Explained

Nitrates

High levels of nitrates will often form over time in groundwater through agricultural sources such as runoff, fertilizer, and manure. They can also be produced from septic systems or waste. Higher concentrations of nitrates can lead to severe health issues, such as methemoglobinemia.

Methemoglobinemia

Methemoglobinemia is a disorder associated with high levels of nitrates. When an abundance of nitrates enter your bloodstream, hemoglobin is transformed into methemoglobin, which cannot transport oxygen. As methemoglobin levels rise, your body’s oxygen levels deplete. Methemoglobinemia can lead to skin discoloration, respiratory and digestive troubles, and even death if left untreated. Children and expectant mothers are the most at risk for this disorder.

How Does Drinking Water with Nitrates Impact Your Health?

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Blue Skin

A high concentration of nitrates in your bloodstream can give skin a blue appearance due to oxygen loss, often starting in the fingertips and toes.
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Respiratory Troubles

Consuming drinking water with high levels of nitrates may result in shortness of breath or a rapid heartbeat.
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Digestive Problems

Having high levels of nitrates in your bloodstream may cause issues such as nausea or vomiting.

Removing Nitrates from Your Water

Get your water tested to find out if it contains dangerous levels of nitrates. There are a number of drinking water systems you can install to reduce nitrates to safe levels. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods of removing nitrates from drinking water.

Schedule Your Free Water Test

What Your Neighbors Are Saying

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nitrates are a naturally occurring compound made of nitrogen and oxygen. They commonly enter groundwater through fertilizer runoff, septic systems, animal waste, and agricultural activity. If your home uses well water, you’re more likely to see elevated levels of nitrates, especially in rural or farming areas.
First, avoid drinking or cooking with the water, especially for infants. Confirm the results with a certified lab if you haven’t already done so. From there, you will want to install a treatment system designed specifically for nitrates removal, such as a reverse osmosis or ion exchange unit.
Infants under six months old are at the highest risk of methemoglobinemia, a condition sometimes called “blue baby syndrome,” where nitrates convert to nitrites in the stomach and interfere with oxygen levels in their blood. People who are pregnant or have certain health conditions may also be more sensitive to elevated nitrates levels.
The most effective solutions are reverse osmosis water treatment systems, ion exchange units, or distillation systems. These can be installed at the point of use, such as under a kitchen sink, or as a whole-home system depending on your needs and the scale of the problem.

Contact Us

When you need water conditioning services, trust Martin Water. For your no-obligation water analysis or for more information about our premium products, industry-leading warranties, and reliable service, contact us today!

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