Nitrite in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with nitrite.
EPA Limit (MCL)
1000 ppb
EPA Goal (MCLG)
1000 ppb
Category
Inorganic
Regulatory values are a concise reference, not legal or medical advice. Confirm the current standard and rule-specific details on EPA.gov.
Health Effects
Blue baby syndrome in infants under six months
Common Sources
Fertilizer runoff, septic systems, sewage
Treatment Considerations for Nitrite
Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Reverse osmosis, ion exchange. Choose treatment only after a certified water test identifies the substance and concentration; verify NSF/ANSI certification and consult a qualified local professional when needed.
2,945
Historical Violation Records
1,668
Systems With Records
Historical Nitrite Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1,412 | 634 |
| Iowa | 259 | 102 |
| Connecticut | 185 | 125 |
| Oregon | 165 | 136 |
| Washington | 148 | 118 |
| Illinois | 101 | 54 |
| Ohio | 90 | 86 |
| Texas | 70 | 23 |
| West Virginia | 68 | 47 |
| Alaska | 58 | 51 |
| California | 56 | 46 |
| Mississippi | 48 | 30 |
| Colorado | 41 | 30 |
| Alabama | 38 | 34 |
| Maine | 26 | 25 |
| Nevada | 25 | 18 |
| Puerto Rico | 23 | 15 |
| American Samoa | 19 | 5 |
| North Carolina | 16 | 8 |
| Oklahoma | 13 | 10 |
Systems With the Most Nitrite Violation Records
CHURDAN WATER SUPPLY
GENESEE TWP WATER AUTHORITY
WELLMAN MUNICIPAL WATERWORKS
ROBINWOOD VILLAGE
LEE LIMAS MOBILE HOME PARK
NOTTINGHAM MANOR M H COURT
STEWARTSTOWN BORO WATER AUTH
AMBLER BORO WATER DEPT
CHRISMAN
WOODLAND
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nitrite and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Nitrite can be associated with drinking water through: Fertilizer runoff, septic systems, sewage.
What reference value does this page show?
The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 1000 ppb. Some substances use action levels or rule-specific thresholds instead, so verify the current EPA standard.
Does a historical violation record mean it is in my tap today?
No. A compliance record may be historical or resolved. Use the latest Consumer Confidence Report or a certified test for current local conditions.