Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Cancer
    • Chemicals, Toxics, and Pesticide
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Radon
    • Research
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • Our Mission and What We Do
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Labs and Research Centers
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Organization Chart
    • EPA History

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. EPA in Minnesota

Why is nitrate contamination a concern?

Southeast Minnesota Groundwater

Minnesota Petition Frequently Asked Quenstions for Nitrates

Nitrate is an acute contaminant, meaning that health effects can occur immediately (I.e. within hours or days) of short-term exposure. Too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. While most people recover quickly, this can be very dangerous for infants and some adults. Particularly vulnerable populations may include infants under the age of 6 months, pregnant women or those with specific health concerns. Infants exposed to high amounts of nitrate may develop “blue baby syndrome.” This illness is rare, but it can be fatal. Infants may be especially vulnerable if they are fed with formula mixed with well water that has a high nitrate concentration.

Learn more about nitrate contamination (pdf).

EPA in Minnesota

  • Hot Topics in Minnesota
  • Environmental Information for Minnesota
  • Environmental Data Maps
  • Minnesota Events and Public Notices
  • Air Standards Delegations in Minnesota
    • Minnesota (Part 63) MACT Standards Delegations
    • Minnesota (Part 60) NSPS and (Part 61) NESHAP Delegations
  • PolyMet (now NewRange Copper Nickel, LLC)
    • Documents related to EPA’s PolyMet NorthMet 401(a)(2) Notification
    • Documents submitted by PolyMet Mining, Inc.
    • Documents submitted to EPA by the Fond du Lac Band
Contact Us about EPA in Minnesota
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on November 26, 2024
  • Assistance
  • Spanish
  • Arabic
  • Chinese (simplified)
  • Chinese (traditional)
  • French
  • Haitian Creole
  • Korean
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Tagalog
  • Vietnamese
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility Statement
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions
  • Site Feedback

Follow.