Drinking Water Testing Services

Clean, safe drinking water is something many people take for granted, yet some contaminants cannot be seen. Nitrate and nitrite are among the most common. To increase awareness of these hidden chemicals, EMSL Analytical, Inc. has sponsored a new educational video explaining where they come from, why they matter, and how testing helps protect public health.

Nitrate and nitrite are forms of nitrogen that occur naturally but are often introduced into groundwater and surface water through human activities. Agricultural fertilizers, animal manure, septic systems, and wastewater discharges are common sources. Over time, nitrate can convert into nitrite, which is more chemically reactive.

Elevated levels of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water can pose health concerns, particularly for infants. Nitrate can interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, potentially causing methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome.” Pregnant women and individuals with certain health conditions may also be more sensitive. Research continues to explore possible links between long-term nitrate exposure and thyroid effects or increased cancer risk.

“To reduce these risks, drinking water standards are in place,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The Environmental Protection Agency has established a maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter for nitrate and 1 milligram per liter for nitrite in public water systems. Private well users should be especially vigilant, as many private wells are not routinely monitored.”

EMSL supports water quality professionals, homeowners, and organizations with comprehensive laboratory testing services for nitrate, nitrite, and other drinking water contaminants. The company also provides sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits to simplify sample collection and analysis.

Understanding what is in drinking water is a critical step toward protecting public health. EMSL’s new video, “Nitrate and Nitrite: The Hidden Chemicals in Water,” is available at: https://youtu.be/JCMLRVdPUow 

For more information about EMSL’s water testing services and sampling supplies, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.