Nitrates in California drinking water

Drinking water supplies in a heavily agricultural region of California may have nitrate levels that exceed the state’s safety standards, according to a study from UC Davis commissioned by the State Water Resources Control Board.

The nitrates make their way into drinking water when nitrogen from agricultural fertilizers seep into underground aquifers, according to a report on the study from the San Francisco Chronicle. Nitrates have been linked to thyroid problems and can lead to blue baby syndrome.

Study authors said treating water for nitrates could costs tens of millions of dollars a year and the best solution is better fertilizer management.

Read more at sfgate.com