The NRC+ can be regenerated using sodium chloride
brine. In some cases not even a Reverse Osmosis water filter can
remove nitrates from water. This is why the Nitrate Selective
Cartridge is so important especially in rural areas where it is not
unusual for water to be contaminated with pesticides.
The EPA has set a limit of 10ppm as a safe level
of nitrates in water. Use the WaterSafe Drinking Water Test Kit to
see the nitrate level in your water.
The following information was sourced from the EPA website as of
November 7, 2013:
What is nitrate?
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which
combine with various organic and inorganic compounds.
Uses for nitrate.
The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Once taken into the
body, nitrates are converted to nitrites.
What are nitrate's health effects?
Infants below six months who drink water containing nitrate in
excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) could become seriously
ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath
and blue baby syndrome.
This health effects language is not intended to catalog all possible
health effects for nitrate. Rather, it is intended to inform
consumers of some of the possible health effects associated with
nitrate in drinking water when the rule was finalized.
What are EPA's drinking water regulations for nitrate?
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law
requires EPA to determine the level of contaminants in drinking
water at which no adverse health effects are likely to occur. These
non-enforceable health goals, based solely on possible health risks
and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety, are
called maximum contaminant level goals (MCLG). Contaminants are any
physical, chemical, biological or radiological substances or matter
in water.
The MCLG for nitrate is 10 mg/L or 10 ppm. EPA has set this level of
protection based on the best available science to prevent potential
health problems. EPA has set an enforceable regulation for nitrate,
called a maximum contaminant level (MCL), at 10 mg/L or 10 ppm. MCLs
are set as close to the health goals as possible, considering cost,
benefits and the ability of public water systems to detect and
remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies. In this
case, the MCL equals the MCLG, because analytical methods or
treatment technology do not pose any limitation.
The Phase II Rule , the regulation for nitrate, became effective in
1992. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to periodically
review the national primary drinking water regulation for each
contaminant and revise the regulation, if appropriate. EPA reviewed
nitrate as part of the Six Year Review and determined that the 10
mg/L or 10 ppm MCLG and 10 mg/L or 10 ppm MCL for nitrate are still
protective of human health.