Well Water Interpreter

Private well answer guide

Nitrate 20 mg/L in Well Water: What Should You Do?

If nitrate is 20 mg/L as nitrogen, it is twice the 10 mg/L drinking water limit. Do not use it for infant formula and use another safe source for drinking until treatment is verified.

Search: nitrate 20 mg/L well water what to doUrgency: Urgent

What to test

  • Nitrate as nitrogen
  • Nitrite
  • Bacteria
  • Chloride

What to do next

  • Confirm the result and unit with a certified lab.
  • Use bottled or treated water for infants, pregnancy, drinking, and cooking.
  • Investigate nearby septic, fertilizer, manure, or surface water sources.
  • Install certified nitrate treatment and retest after installation.

Common questions

Can nitrate be removed from a whole house well system?

It can, but many households choose point-of-use treatment for drinking water first because whole-house nitrate treatment requires careful design and maintenance.

Can adults drink water with nitrate at 20 mg/L?

It is above the drinking water limit. Ask local health officials or a clinician for household-specific guidance, especially for pregnancy or medical conditions.

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Interpret once on the web. Track forever in the app.

Save test history, set annual reminders, compare results over time, and create a shareable report for your family or water professional.

Save this result in the iOS app