nitrate readings
- Thread starter slippery slimecoat
- Start date
Yeah, it's been this way for a bit. Not too concerned. But it just kinda sucks to have high nitrates when you put the effort in to keeping a nice healthy tank. The way my tank is currently, I'm usually just below 40 ppm by water change time with a 60-70% wc each week. I have a good amount of pothos to help. Not sure how much nitrate it really absorbs, but figure it can't hurt.
https://www3.epa.gov/region10/pdf/sites/yakimagw/faq_nitrate_and_drinking_water.pdf
The EPA guideline for drinking water is 10 ppm. I'd call your water company and get them to tell you the reading they have. If they refuse or you don't like the answer you can contact the US EPA or any state or county agency that handles public health, water supply or utilities.
My assumption is that their tests are more accurate, if only because their jobs and profits are on the line, but that's what I would to first. It could be that a recent heavy rains or some other farm related runoff increased the nitrate content and that it's temporary, but I'd research.
A permanent level of 20+ would not only seem to be in violation of EPA guidelines, but would likely lead to class action lawsuits.
The EPA guideline for drinking water is 10 ppm. I'd call your water company and get them to tell you the reading they have. If they refuse or you don't like the answer you can contact the US EPA or any state or county agency that handles public health, water supply or utilities.
My assumption is that their tests are more accurate, if only because their jobs and profits are on the line, but that's what I would to first. It could be that a recent heavy rains or some other farm related runoff increased the nitrate content and that it's temporary, but I'd research.
A permanent level of 20+ would not only seem to be in violation of EPA guidelines, but would likely lead to class action lawsuits.
I've seen traces of nitrate all winter, but it appeared to be 5-10ppm. Today's test is the highest I've seen it. I'll keep monitoring it the next few days to see if it goes down. If not, I'll be making some phone calls.