Nitrite in Connecticut Drinking Water
Nitrite has been detected in water systems serving 3,408 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about nitrite in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.
What Is Nitrite?
Nitrite is an inorganic nitrogen compound that is more immediately toxic than nitrate. It enters water from recent sewage or fertilizer contamination and forms as an intermediate product in the nitrogen cycle. The EPA maximum contaminant level is 1 milligram per liter (as nitrogen). Nitrite causes methemoglobinemia in infants and can cause serious illness in adults at elevated concentrations by interfering with blood oxygen transport.
Is Nitrite in Your Water?
Enter your Connecticut ZIP code to find out if nitrite is in your local water — and see personalized health risks for your household.
Check Your ZIP CodeHealth Effects of Nitrite
More immediately toxic than nitrate. Causes methemoglobinemia in infants and can cause serious illness.
Safety Guidelines
Health Guideline
1000 ug/L
Source: EPA MCL
Legal Limit (MCL)
1000 ug/L
EPA Maximum Contaminant Level
Where Does Nitrite Come From?
Indicates recent sewage or fertilizer contamination. Formed as an intermediate product in the nitrogen cycle.
How to Reduce Nitrite in Your Water
- 1Install a point-of-use reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for nitrite reduction, which typically removes 85 to 95% of dissolved nitrite.
- 2Use an ion exchange system with anion exchange resin, which is effective at reducing nitrite concentrations for whole-house treatment.
- 3Do not rely on activated carbon filters or boiling for nitrite removal, as neither method effectively reduces nitrite concentrations in drinking water.
- 4Test water regularly if your supply is near sewage lines or agricultural operations, as nitrite levels can indicate recent contamination and fluctuate rapidly.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Nitrite?
The safe level of nitrite varies significantly depending on who is drinking the water. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for each member of your household:
A contaminant level that is safe for an adult may exceed guidelines for an infant by 4-8x or more. Check your ZIP code to see personalized results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nitrite in my tap water?▾
What level of Nitrite is safe?▾
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About This Report
This water quality report is compiled from public records filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state health departments, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Contaminant levels are evaluated against EPA federal standards and health-based guidelines from leading environmental and public health organizations. CheckYourTap is a service of Valiant Energy Solutions, a Connecticut water quality and energy services company established in 1930.
Last updated March 2026