Inorganic
Nitrite in your water
Is Nitrite in drinking water dangerous?
It depends on the level and how long you're exposed. The EPA legal limit (MCL) for Nitrite is 1 ppm. The EPA also sets a non-enforceable health goal (MCLG) of 1 ppm. Meeting the legal limit isn't the same as zero risk — test your water to know your level.
How do you remove Nitrite from water?
Nitrite is treated by Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis. Choose a system independently certified to NSF/ANSI standards to reduce Nitrite, and test your water first to confirm the level.
Source: EPA MCL / MCLG; WHO guidelines; NSF/ANSI · 2026
Health effects
Nitrite is a more reactive form of nitrogen pollution from the same sources as nitrate. It reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and is most hazardous to infants. It usually appears alongside nitrate where contamination is present.
The health-based goal vs. the legal limit
The federal legal limit (MCL) is the maximum allowed by law. The EPA health goal (MCLG) is the level below which no health risk is expected — it is non-enforceable and often stricter than the legal limit.
EPA health goal (MCLG)
1 ppm
Federal legal limit (MCL)
1 ppm
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (MCL / MCLG) · 2026
What removes Nitrite
Ion exchange
Water Softener
Swaps the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water for sodium — so scale stops forming.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 44 certification
How it works→Semipermeable membrane filtration
Reverse Osmosis
Pushes water through a fine membrane that removes the dissolved solids most filters miss.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 58 certification
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Is Nitrite in your water?
Check your city's public record, then book a free 30-minute test to confirm what's in your home.