With advancements in water treatment technologies, removing nitrates from drinking water is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to use the proper nitrate removal method. For example; Nitrates cannot be removed with filters such as Britas, PUR, fridge filters or any other carbon based technology.
What Are Nitrates?
There are different factors and physical characteristics with your water that will determine what technologies should be utilized, how effective nitrate removal will be and the effects different technologies will have on your plumbing system. It is recommended you contact a Water Treatment Professional like Merle’s Water Conditioning to provide sound recommendations. Those with their own private well, especially in areas around farm lands or golf courses, should have their water tested for nitrates.
Nitrate Removal Methods
Most importantly: Do Not Boil your water to remove nitrates. This will have an opposite effect and concentrate the contaminant.
The most common nitrate removal method for household use, is treating the water at the point of use with Reverse Osmosis. Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems can be installed under the sink or in a mechanical room, providing treated water to a specific faucet, fridge or icemaker. This technology passes your water through a series of filters, one of which is the Reverse Osmosis Membrane. The membrane will physically seperate impurities from the water, including Nitrates. The good water is sent to a storage tank awaiting your use.
The Hellenbrand Millennium Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System has an average Nitrate Removal rate of 80%. Optional Nitrate polishing filters can remove the remaining nitrates from the water.
Another practical method of removing Nitrates from Drinking Water is through a process called distillation. During distillation, water is heated and the water vapors are collected while leaving the nitrates behind. This process is effective, but can be slow and require routine de-scaling.
Whole House Nitrate Removal
Neither Reverse Osmosis or Distillation is practical for Whole House Nitrate Removal. For those who choose to remove nitrates at the point of entry for all water in the household, will look to use Ion Exchange, which is the same technology water softeners are based on. Ion-Exchange Whole House Nitrate Systems will utilize an Anion or Nitrate Selective Media and will exchange sodium for nitrates.
Read Our Nitrate Reduction Case Study for Trinity Lutheran Family Center in Hudson, Wi. This Commercial Nitrate Reduction System is effectively treating 10+ parts per million of Nitrates at up to 40 gallons per minute. The Result is 0 parts per million of nitrates.
