NO2
Nitrite
inorganicSDWA code: 1041
EPA Limit (MCL)
1 mg/L
Health Goal (MCLG)
1 mg/L
Unit of Measure
mg/L as N
How concentrations are reported
Health Effects
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
How It Gets Into Water
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
Official EPA Guidance
For authoritative information on Nitritein drinking water, visit the EPA's official resource page.
View EPA Guidance ↗