Nitrogen - Nitrate

It should be first noted that Nitrates and Nitrites, both elements of Nitrogen, are very natural in our environment and crucial for our sustainable ecosystem.  With that said...

Nitrate is a chemical formed from the combination of nitrogen and oxygen. It’s found in soil, and helps plants grow by providing nitrogen.  

Where does nitrate contamination come from?

Nitrate levels in freshwater and groundwater have increased as dairying has intensified, due to application of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, and urine from cows. 

Are there any health risks from nitrate contamination?

For many years, we have known that high concentrations of nitrate in drinking water used for mixing infant formula is linked to blue baby syndrome – where the nitrate deprives the baby of oxygen. 

New research is emerging which shows that nitrate contamination in drinking water is linked to increased risk of bowel cancer, and strongly linked to a higher risk of premature birth. 

This is not health or legal advice, but...  Nitrates are more often found in drinking water that comes from a well that is near agricultural lands.  If you're on municipal water, it's certainly possible that your water might contain higher levels of nitrates, but municipal systems are designed to remove high levels.

 A recent United States Geological Survey study showed that 7 percent of 2,388 domestic wells and about 3 percent of 384 public-supply wells nationwide were contaminated with nitrate levels above the EPA drinking water standard of 10 parts per million (ppm) or 10 mg/L [Dubrovsky and Hamilton 2010].

The most common method would be a Reverse Osmosis system.  This can be a whole house system, or at point of disbursal.  What is generally most common is a RO system at the point where drinking water is consumed (kitchen sink, typically).

Prices can range from a couple hundred into the thousands.  Here is an Amazon link to a selection of RO systems. (I do not get an affiliate commission, this is just providing information for you.)

Here are a handful of links to provide more information on Nitrates in drinking water.

Nitrate Contamination in Drinking Water - Greenpeace 

Nitrates in Drinking Water - PennState

Where Are Nitrates and Nitrites Found? - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry