There are several things that you can do to decrease the value of nitrates in your well. The first is very inexpensive. Studies have shown that you can pour vegetable oil down the contaminated well. It is suggested that three quarts can remove all of the nitrates from 10,000 gallons of water that contain 20 parts per-million nitrate-nitrogen. The oil provides a natural carbon source that eats the nitrogen present. A more expensive approach would be to install a reverse-osmosis system. The unit prevents ions and large molecules from passing through a membrane of cellophane-like plastic. This membrane is semipermeable, which means it controls what goes in and out. The system in effect doesn't let the nitrate molecules pass through. Most units have proven to remove nearly 95% of all toxic metals found in your water. Filters for this machine cost around $25 while the unit itself costs around $250.
Graph of Nitrates in our drinking water
Locations Tested We tested several areas including the cities of Westby, Coon Valley, and Chaseburg. Several students had private wells in the country of the surrounding area as well.
