NITRATES
Nitrates are most commonly found in fertilizers used in agricultural practices. They are a health concern due to their conversion to nitrites in the human body. This is especially important to infants and young children, as nitrites decrease the ability of blood to carry oxygen. This can result in serious illness and death. For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Health Webpage on Nitrate Risks.
IRON BACTERIA
Iron Bacteria is commonly found in the World, and poses no health threat. However, Iron Bacteria can, and do cause problems realted to wells. For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Health Webpage on Iron Bacteria.
PESTICIDES
Pesticides have been found in private wells in the past, making them unfit for human use. State wells are relatively safe, but the potential still exists for contamination. For more information, visit the Department of Natural Resources Environmental Health Webpage on Pesticides.
A list of potential pollution sources and their place of origin.
There are many types of land use that
affects groundwater. This image shows how contaminated
groundwater can move freely through aquifers.
When groundwater is contaminated, it blooms out from the source of the pollution.
