Which public water systems are required to monitor for nitrate?

Monitoring for nitrate is required for all public water systems that are supplied by either ground or surface water due to the potential health risks associated with elevated nitrate levels. Nitrates can lead to serious health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants.

Community water systems, which serve year-round residents, and nontransient noncommunity water systems, providing water to the same people over six months per year, must both adhere to this monitoring requirement. However, transient noncommunity water systems, which serve different people throughout the year, are not subject to the same stringent nitrate monitoring requirements unless they utilize a source that is known to be at risk for nitrate contamination.

By encompassing all public water systems supplied by ground or surface water, the monitoring requirement aims to ensure overall public health safety and proactively address potential sources of nitrate contamination. This helps maintain safe drinking water standards across various types of water systems.