What Is Nitrate?

Nitrate (NO3-) is a naturally occurring compound made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but human activities produce more nitrogen than natural systems can use.

Fertilizers, manure and sewage all add extra nitrogen to the landscape. As this nitrogen moves through the environment, it becomes nitrate. The nitrate can then make its way to streams and sources of drinking water via surface runoff or groundwater saturation. Excess nitrate in water can pose serious problems for the health of humans and the environment.

When we consume high levels of nitrate in drinking water, certain health conditions including blue baby syndrome, cancers, thyroid disease, and birth defects are more likely to occur. In aquatic ecosystems, nitrate can have disastrous impacts, including the creation of algae blooms, fish kills, and dead zones.

You Can Help

The Izaak Walton League’s Nitrate Watch program equips volunteers and partner organizations with nitrate test strips and empowers them to monitor their water, share their results, and advocate for solutions.

Request a FREE Nitrate Watch Kit and we will send you everything you need to measure nitrate in your drinking water or local waterways. See what’s in the kit, or investigate our Nitrate Watch Frequently Asked Questions for more info about monitoring, using the kit, and interpreting your results.