Nitrate Filtration

Q. How do these systems remove nitrate?
A. These systems use a type of filtering resin called "anion exchange resin." Anions (in this case nitrate and sulfate) are selectively removed in the filtering process. As the nitrate is removed, nontoxic chloride ions are substituted in a process known as "ion-exchange".

Q. Why do these systems use salt?
A. After the filtering resin removes a given amount of nitrate, the resin becomes "exhausted" and cannot remove any more nitrate or sulfates. At this point the media must be cleaned in a process known as "regeneration." The salt is used as the "regenerant" which restores the resin and allows it to remove nitrate again.

Q. Since this uses salt, does this soften the water?
A. No. Salt does not soften water per se. Salt is also used in water softeners, which are "cation exchangers," where the softening resin removes calcium hardness and substitutes sodium ions. In nitrate anion exchange systems, the chloride ion is used when the system automatically cleans itself with brine or salt water. No softening takes place.

Q. How will I know if the system is working?
A. It is very important to regularly test the filtered water for nitrate. Nitrate is especially toxic to infants, pregnant women, and pregnant livestock. If the water contains over 45 PPM of nitrate, we recommend further treatment by distillation or reverse osmosis, if this water is to be used for infant formula or by pregnant mothers.

Q. Can I taste or smell nitrate?
A. No. Nitrate is colorless, odorless and does not impart a taste to water. For this reason it is very important to frequently test the water before use, especially if the water is to be used for drinking by pregnant mothers or infants.

Q. Do these nitrate systems purify the water for drinking?
A. No, these systems only reduce nitrate and sulfate. No purification takes place other than the reduction of these compounds. If the water is high in nitrate as a result of agricultural contamination or run-off, there is at least the possibility of the presence of other toxic compounds such as pesticide or herbicide residuals.

Q. Is it harmful to shower in high-nitrate water?
A. It is not harmful to shower in water high in nitrate. We typically see nitrate in area wells in the form of calcium nitrate. Unlike organic compounds such as hexane or benzene, calcium nitrate is not absorbed through the skin.

Q. Why not just treat the water at point-of-use for drinking?
A. This is often the best approach, unless nitrate reduced water is desired through out the home Most of the nitrate systems we have installed are used to comply with Health Dept. regulations requiring that all the water be treated. Point of use systems that work well for nitrate removal are our NSF certified reverse osmosis systems, and distillers.

Q. Can I get assistance in sizing a nitrate system for my application?
A. Yes. You should first have your water tested, and you can then contact our technical staff for help on selecting the best nitrate system for your application.