Nitrite (as N)
EPA MCLG
1 mg/L
The level in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. This is a goal, not an enforceable limit.
Health Effects
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.
Source: EPA — National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (retrieved 2026-07-27)
Common Sources
- Runoff from fertilizer use
- leaking from septic tanks, sewage
- erosion of natural deposits
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About the EPA MCLG
The EPA MCLG is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. It is a non-enforceable public health goal, and is often stricter than the legal limit (MCL) water systems must meet.
Contaminant Type
Nitrite (as N) is classified as a Inorganics contaminant.
Related Inorganics Contaminants
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