Is There Nitrate in Putnam, CT Water? (ZIP 06260)

What is Nitrate?

Nitrate is a nitrogen compound that enters drinking water primarily from agricultural fertilizer runoff, septic system leachate, and animal waste. It is one of the most widespread groundwater contaminants in agricultural regions. The EPA maximum contaminant level is 10 milligrams per liter (as nitrogen). Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants under six months, causing methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome), which impairs oxygen transport in the blood.

Nitrate matters most for infants, pregnancy — can cause 'blue baby syndrome' (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months. The safe level for these groups is stricter than for a healthy adult.

• Install a point-of-use reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for nitrate reduction, which typically removes 83 to 92% of nitrate from drinking water.

• Use an ion exchange system with a nitrate-selective resin, which is effective for whole-house treatment and can handle higher flow rates than reverse osmosis.

• Do not rely on standard activated carbon filters or boiling, as neither method reduces nitrate concentrations; boiling actually concentrates nitrate by evaporating water.

• For well water near agricultural land, test quarterly and maintain filters on the recommended schedule, as nitrate levels can fluctuate seasonally with rainfall and fertilizer application.

How Putnam compares

Across Connecticut, Nitrate is detected in 103 of the communities we track, and is above a limit or standard in 28. In Putnam (06260), it was found in every sample tested, above the EPA limit in 4% of samples.

Other contaminants of concern in Putnam (06260)

See the full Putnam water quality report →