Learn the Issues

This page shows all of the pages at www.epa.gov that are tagged with Learn the Issues.

  • What should I do if my water has elevated nitrates and/or exceeds the MCL?

    If nitrate exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, you should find a safe alternative drinking water supply. The quickest thing to do is to begin using bottled water for drinking. Another option is to install a treatment that will remove nitrate from your water such as reverse osmosis or a…

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  • Will boiling my water help?

    No. Boiling water will NOT reduce nitrate levels. In fact, it will make the level of nitrate worse because some of the water will evaporate but the nitrate will not. This increases the concentration of nitrate in water.

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  • What is EPA doing?

    EPA is working with its governmental partners and other stakeholders to investigate and address the issue. Most recently, EPA issued a letter to the state of Minnesota requesting a plan of action to address nitrate contamination in drinking water.

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  • Documents, Reports and Photographs for Safety-Kleen Systems Incorporated in Wheeling, West Virginia

    RCRA Corrective Action Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., Wheeling WV, Documents and Reports
















































  • I use a carbon filter. Will this help?

    Activated carbon filters, such as those in a “Brita” water pitcher, DO NOT remove nitrates.

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  • How do I have my drinking water tested in the future?

    Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends you use an accredited laboratory to test your water. Contact an accredited laboratory to get sample containers and instructions or ask your county environmental or public health services if they provide well testing services. Accredited Labs in Minnesota Accepting Drinking Water Samples from Private…

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  • How to protect yourself from nitrate exposure?

    Private well owners Assess the location of your well, wells found near sources of nitrates may have a greater risk of contamination. Sources include: farm fields, barnyards, feedlots, septic tanks, municipal wastewater treatment systems or “sludge” and manure spreading sites. Ensure your well is up to code with state regulations…

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  • Is it safe to shower or bathe in water if it is over the nitrate MCL of 10 mg/L?

    Nitrate is only a concern for ingestion (eating and drinking). It is not absorbed through your skin. People who install filter systems for nitrate often install them just for their kitchen sink faucet, and they use that faucet for their cooking and drinking water.

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  • How are people potentially exposed to nitrate?

    For many situations, the potential for children’s exposure from drinking water is medium to low. The potential can be higher when private wells become contaminated with nitrates from feed lot and agricultural runoff, and contaminated groundwater. Some geographic areas are at higher risk of drinking water contamination of private wells…

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  • Carnotite Reduction Company Site

    carnotite is part of the lindsay light web area. A refining facility in Chicago at 2600 S. Iglehart Place, south loop chicago.

  • Air Topics

    Information about indoor and outdoor air quality, air monitoring and air pollutants.

  • Land, Waste, and Cleanup Topics

    After reducing waste as much as possible through recycling and sustainability, managing waste protects land quality. EPA is also involved in cleaning up and restoring contaminated land, through brownfield and superfund programs.

  • Science Topics

    EPA is one of the world’s leading environmental and human health research organizations. Science provides the foundation for Agency policies, actions, and decisions made on behalf of the American people.

  • State Authorization Tracking System (StATS)

    Documents and details about EPA's RCRA State Authorization

  • Visibility - Regional Planning Organizations

    Visibility - Regional Planning Organizations

  • Superfund History

    Learn about the history of the Superfund program and access program highlights, key dates, accomplishments, and timeline.

  • Brownfields Reuse in Small and Rural Communities

    Document providing examples of Brownfields projects in small, rural, and Tribal communities that received Brownfields funding.

  • Proposed Amendments to Municipal Solid Waste Landfills: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

    Information related to the proposed amendments to the MSW NESHAP

  • Urban Waters Ambassador Toolkit

    Ambassador Toolkit shares lessons learned, valuable tools, and essential resources to help sustain Urban Waters Federal Partnerships and the Ambassador program

  • EPA RCRA ID: PAD002389559

    RCRA Corrective Action Cleanup Site for PAD002389559 Keystone Cement in Bath, Pennsylvania

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