A trade group says Wisconsin is among four states that has the highest levels of nitrate, which can cause health problems in pregnant women and the young.
The Water Quality Association is an Illinois-based trade association representing the residential, commercial, industrial, and small community water treatment industry in the United States.
Their spokesperson Wes Bleed says another association, The Environmental Working Group, has a report listing the places with the highest levels...
".....primarily in rural areas. That's no surprise to anyone who knows anything about nitrate. It can come from various sources, but among them are animal manure and fertilizer. So when you have the combination of those materials and other natural decomposition of organic matter, you can have elevated levels of nitrate....."
Infants exposed to nitrate are susceptible to “Blue Baby Syndrome,” which interferes with the ability of the infant’s blood to carry oxygen. In some cases, this condition can be fatal. Pregnant women, individuals with reduced stomach acidity, and people with certain blood disorders may also be susceptible to nitrate-induced problems.
Bleed says the association wants people living in rural areas to go to certified water testing companies and have their drinking water tested....
".....if you have any concern about your drinking water, have it tested. Go to a certified lab, get it tested. Then, if necessary, have a certified professional come in and consult with you for the kind of water treatment you might need...."
Bleed says you can find testing facilities' locations at their website wqa. org
