Prairie Rivers Network has released a new report highlighting the danger of nitrate contamination in rural drinking water. The group notes consumption of nitrate is associated with significant human health hazards, like Blue Baby Syndrome in infants, and more recent studies suggest it may also increase risks of various illnesses and cancers in adults.
Prairie Rivers Network adds that despite serious health risks, not enough is known about the extent and degree of nitrate contamination in rural wells throughout Illinois.
The group says it is clear that high nitrate levels can be seen across the state and in some rural areas at levels many times the drinking water standard. However, it adds, systematic statewide analysis of nitrate contamination of rural wells is needed to understand the full breadth of the problem. The group claims thousands of people are at risk due to the unknown levels of contamination in wells across the state.
