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 with nitrates.
• The Karst geology in the SE area of Minnesota leaves aquifers particularly vulnerable because Karst allows a direct and rapid exchange between surface and ground water. Contaminants may move quickly and in various directions which can spread contaminants far from the source.