If your drinking water originates from a community water system, the answer on nitrates will be readily available; however, if you get your drinking water from a private well, you must take steps to test for nitrates.
The Safe Drinking Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), first passed in 1974 and later amended and strengthened in 1986 and 1996, protects the quality of community drinking water. No federal regulations safeguard private drinking water sources, such as private wells.
If nitrate in your community drinking water exceeds the maximum contaminant level (MCL) set by the EPA, your water utility must notify the public via a Consumer Confidence Report.
It is commonly suggested that private wells be annually tested for nitrate. Nitrate is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so the only way to know if it is in your drinking water is to have it tested. Contact your local health department or Extension office for information on testing your private well.
