Free Shipping on Orders of $100 or More
Free Shipping on Orders of $100 or More
$35.00
Our nitrate water test measures nitrate as nitrogen in mg/L and compares it with the EPA limit of 10 mg/L. Nitrate has no color, taste, or smell, and it moves easily from fertilizer, manure, and septic systems into groundwater. The test is a smart choice for private well owners, families expecting a baby or caring for an infant, and anyone buying a home on a well.
Nitrate rarely travels alone, since the fertilizer, manure, or septic waste behind it can carry bacteria too. Our Premium Water Test checks nitrate with bacteria and other well basics in one round of sampling. A single test also gives you a baseline to compare each year, which makes a slow rise easy to spot.
Nitrate is a form of nitrogen that plants use as food. Rain and irrigation carry extra nitrate down through the soil into groundwater. Once it gets there, it can stay for years.
Here are the usual sources:
Nitrate is also one of the most important indicators of whether a drilled well is working properly, because a high level signals surface water getting into the well, which raises the risk of bacteria. Levels can rise in spring, after fertilizer goes down and snow melts.
Order this test if you are expecting a baby or have an infant under six months. Nitrate above the EPA limit can reduce how well a baby's blood carries oxygen.
It also fits well owners near farms, golf courses, livestock, or a septic field, and anyone whose well was hit by floodwater. Shallow wells are the most likely to show it.
A new well or a newly purchased home is another good time to test, since a city's yearly water report does not cover a private well. Parents-to-be often test early, which leaves time to act on the result before the baby arrives.
Orders under $100 ship for an $8 flat rate, and shipping is free when your order reaches $100. Your return label is prepaid. Nitrate samples are best tested within about 48 hours, so collect and ship as soon as possible, ideally the day you fill the bottles.
We analyze your sample in our accredited lab, using established testing methods and quality controls.
We have tested water since 1995.
Every test includes a free consultation with one of our water experts. We go over your results with you, explain what the numbers mean for your home, and help you decide on the appropriate next step, including any filtration approach.
Ships free to your door
Takes under 5 minutes
Free return shipping
Expert Consultation
Ships free to your door
Takes under 5 minutes
Free return shipping
Expert Consultation
Every test comes with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your water source, collect your water sample, and prepare your sample for return shipment to our lab.
The appropriate sample containers are provided with sterility and sample volume requirements taken into consideration.
A short form to fill out with basic information about your water source. This helps our lab technicians process your results accurately.
A pre-paid return shipping label is included — just drop the sealed package in any mailbox or hand it to your mail carrier. No extra cost.
“The test was simple—collect a water sample from a faucet in the home. We sent the test to the lab and received a water quality analysis within a few days. The test included analysis of the water sample for the presence of: coliform bacteria, E. coli, iron, lead, pH, turbidity, and nitrates/nitrites.”
Taylor L.
“Incredible lab, they really care about their customers. As someone who doesn’t know a whole lot about water quality, they took their time to help me understand everything about my water quality situation.”
Brad R.
“I’ve used ETR for several tests, both water and air. The test kits are easy to understand and the reports are very comprehensive. But what really makes them stand out is their quality of service. There is a lot of terminology in these reports that I don’t understand, but their staff is very knowledgeable and always available to assist. They really take their time to review the results with you on the phone, and answer any questions you may have.”
John T.
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We run every test inside our own lab in Leominster, Massachusetts. Your results come straight from us, not a subcontractor. That keeps our pricing fair and our quality consistent across every kit we send out.
Most labs stop at handing you a report. We do not. Every result comes with a free call to one of our water quality experts, so you understand what your numbers mean and what to do next.
ETR Laboratories has run water tests for over 30 years. We hold membership in the national Water Quality Association and the Massachusetts Ground Water Association.
Our reviews reflect the work we do. We hold a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google, a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Angi from 342 reviews, and five-star ratings on Trustpilot.
Our Premium Water Test screens your water for 113 substances in one round, including bacteria, radon, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, providing homeowners and landlords with a thorough assessment for peace of mind. We have run…
It can be, mainly for babies. Above the EPA limit, nitrate can reduce how well an infant's blood carries oxygen, a condition called methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome. Pregnant women may also be more sensitive. Some studies have linked long-term exposure to certain cancers and thyroid problems, though research is still mixed. The limit is enforced on public water systems, so private well owners have to test on their own.
The EPA limit is 10 mg/L as nitrogen, and many healthy wells run well under that. Lower is better, especially for infants under six months. A level that climbs from year to year, even below the limit, is a sign that fertilizer, manure, or septic waste is reaching the well. If your result is above the limit, our free consultation can help you plan next steps.
Adults usually have no symptoms at levels found in wells. Infants are the main concern. A baby with methemoglobinemia may have a bluish tint around the mouth, hands, and feet, along with fussiness, tiredness, or trouble breathing. If you notice these signs in a baby, get medical help right away and mention the water source.
Generally, no. Standard pitcher filters are made to improve taste, not to remove nitrate. Other treatment options can lower nitrate, and the right one depends on your level and how much water you want to treat. Our free consultation helps you decide on the appropriate filtration approach, and a retest of the treated water confirms it is working.
No. Boiling makes nitrate more concentrated, because water evaporates while the nitrate stays behind. Boiling is useful for killing bacteria, but it is the wrong step for nitrate. If your level is high, bottled water for drinking, cooking, and mixing formula is the safer choice until you have a treatment plan in place. Many caregivers boil water for formula out of habit, so this point is good to share.
Once a year is a common guideline for private wells. It is also a good idea to test after flooding or when someone in the home is pregnant. Changes nearby, such as new fields, livestock, or a septic repair, are another reason. Testing in the same season each year makes results easier to compare.
Public water systems must test for nitrate and keep it under the EPA limit of 10 mg/L as nitrogen, so city water rarely goes above it. Your utility's yearly water quality report lists the levels it found. Private wells have no required testing, which is why well owners near farms, livestock, or septic fields face more of the risk. City customers with infants can review that report first and test their own tap for added peace of mind.
Yes, the two make a strong pair on a private well. A high nitrate level signals surface water getting into a drilled well, and that same path can carry coliform bacteria and E. coli from soil, manure, or septic waste. Testing both from one visit shows whether the well needs a closer look at its cap, casing, or seal. If someone in the home is pregnant or caring for an infant, checking both is especially worthwhile.
No shared results. Our laboratory holds our clients privacy to the highest regard, your results and information will never be shared. Be aware that state certified laboratories may be required to report your results to various government agencies.