Is There Nitrite in Wolcott, CT Water? (ZIP 06716)

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.

Nitrite 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 nitrite reduction, which typically removes 85 to 95% of dissolved nitrite.

• Use an ion exchange system with anion exchange resin, which is effective at reducing nitrite concentrations for whole-house treatment.

• Do not rely on activated carbon filters or boiling for nitrite removal, as neither method effectively reduces nitrite concentrations in drinking water.

• Test water regularly if your supply is near sewage lines or agricultural operations, as nitrite levels can indicate recent contamination and fluctuate rapidly.

How Wolcott compares

Across Connecticut, Nitrite is detected in 36 of the communities we track, and is above a limit or standard in 5. In Wolcott (06716), it was found in every sample tested, above the EPA limit in 3% of samples.

Other contaminants of concern in Wolcott (06716)

See the full Wolcott water quality report →