Nitrates are a sign of human pollution and of the worldwide damage to the natural environment.
Nitrates in water
What are nitrates ?
They are chemical salts found in nature. They form part of the normal biological cycle of plants and animals.
Where do they come from ?
Found naturally, they are a result of a chemical transformation of nitrogenous substances which are found in the excrement of all living organisms.
They are also produced artificially by man to produce in particular agricultural fertilizer and a variety of industrial substances such as food preservatives.
Are there nitrates in tap water ?
Yes, a minimal amount of nitrates are found naturally in water.However the use of huge amounts of fertilizer to spread on the soil or pollution from an industrial accident can sometimes increase the level of nitrates in water.
Are nitrates dangerous for health?
Nitrates do not pose a health risk except for fetuses and babies due to their undeveloped digestive systemand metabolism.
Nitrates from drinking water account for less than 25% of the daily intake. The rest come from vegetables, meat...
What factors increase the level of nitrates ?
Spreading animal excrement (liquid manure) and fertilizer on the soil, use of badly maintained septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants not operating in line with thestandards regarding sewerage disposal can lead to an abnormal increase in the level of nitrates which are found naturally in water. Similarly the concentration of nitrates in springs and aquifers is directly linked to human activity.
After stopping such practices, you have to wait decades before the concentration of nitrates in the water goes back to an "acceptable level".
How is the level of nitrates monitored ?
Whatever the country, the water supply is regularly monitored.
Depending on the regulations in force in each country, it is monitored either by the water boards or by the private water supply companies and the State as in France; or by the private water supply companies which are regulated by a public body, as in the United Kingdom.
Veolia Water therefore constantly monitors the quality of the water supplied to its customers.
Nitrates from drinking water account for less than 25% of the daily intake.