What are nitrates and why do they matter?
If your household water comes from a private well, you may be at risk of nitrate contamination —and not even know it. Nitrates are a type of nitrogen compound that can seep into groundwater from the use of fertilizers, manure, and failing septic systems. The problem? Nitrates are colorless, odorless, and tasteless — you can’t detect them without testing. At high enough levels, they can harm your health. Long-term exposure to even moderate nitrate levels has been linked to increased risks of thyroid, colorectal, ovarian, and bladder cancers and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and birth defects. People with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses may also face higher risks.
Download our policy brief: Nitrates in well water: What you need to know
This worksheet breaks down nitrate pollutionto better understand the impacts that nitrates inflict on the environment, the animals, and the threat to public health in communities across Michigan.
