Nitrate-Nitrogen (Nitrate)
Source Water Protection
Nitrate-Nitrogen (Nitrate) commonly occurs in groundwater and is important in Source Water Protection for several reasons:
- nitrate can be linked to activities at the ground surface;
- nitrate is commonly present when other contaminants are also present (indicator analyte); and
- nitrate is inexpensive to measure.
For these reasons, the Source Water Protection program emphasizes efforts to understand and limit nitrate occurrence in groundwater. These efforts yield the following resources:
MDH Source Water Protection Resources
Other Nitrate Resources
- Search for Accredited Laboratories,
MDH: Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program
- Nitrate in Well Water,
Minnesota Department of Health, Well Management Section
- Drinking Water Protection,
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Contact Information
For more information about, "Guidance for Mapping Nitrate in Minnesota Groundwater," or nitrate probability maps, contact:
Jim Lundy
Minnesota Department of Health
Source Water Protection Unit
651-201-4649
