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Many
ground waters contain small amounts of nitrate nitrogen.
Concentrations from 0.1ppm to 3 or 4 ppm in most areas.
The presence of nitrates in a water supply indicates
possible pollution of the water.
In
concentrations as low as 10 to 20 ppm nitrate nitrogen
has caused illness and even death among infants under 6
months of age. Although this problem is serious, public
health officials are primarily concerned with nitrates
as a strong indicator of water pollution. Certainly,
where a ground water is known to contain little or not
nitrate nitrogen naturally, the appearance of any
significant increase is a probable indication of
pollution.
Prevention
of sewage contamination is the best possible treatment.
Reverse osmosis and distillation are practical solutions
for home needs, as well as bottled water.
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