What are Nitrates in Water?

Nitrates are inorganic compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen that occur both naturally and synthetically in the environment. Nitrates are found in the earth’s atmosphere, in the soil, and in water. They are easily biodegradable and highly soluble in water. Nitrates are created by plant decomposition, animal waste, and as an agricultural byproduct. Rainwater, floods, and soil erosion can all lead to nitrates being introduced to groundwater supplies. 

Nitrogen is one of the most essential nutrients for prosperous plant and crop growth. Nitrogen is one of the building blocks of the chlorophyll molecule, which allows plants to create food for themselves through the process of photosynthesis. Fertilizers for lawns, gardens, flowers, and crops all use nitrates to provide the plants with this natural energy to help the plants flourish and remain healthy. When these fertilizers are carried by floods or rainfall into streams and lakes, nitrate levels in the groundwater will escalate.

Nitrogen is abundant in our environment and critical to the health and growth of all living creatures. However, excessive consumption of nitrogen compounds can lead to health complications and illness.  

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