Home treatment option for nitrates in water

Recently, The Gazette published two informational articles regarding nitrates in the local water supply (“Water source offers buffer from nitrates,” May 18, and “An end to water quality ‘firing squad,'?” May 19). Both articles open up a larger discussion on the source and protection of our local water supply. There are important discussion points that should be addressed.

In the May 18 article, Megan Murphy of the Cedar Rapids Utilities Department, is quoted, “…we saw this moment as an opportunity to start talking about nitrates and how the quality of our source water is connected to the quality of our drinking water.” This statement could be proactive planning or hint at unnecessary spending. There are alternatives out there.

Nitrates are only an issue when consumed. The average person will only consume 1 to 2 gallons of potable water per day. The majority of water used is for non-consumed uses such as laundry. Cedar Rapids' water plant treatment capacity is 65 million gallons per day with only a fraction needed for human consumption.

That is where a point-of-use system is most effective. Independent studies show that ion exchange water treatment and reverse osmosis are considered the most practical approach to nitrate removal. Home treatment options are regulated in the Iowa and consumers also can use bottled water in uncertain times.

Homeowners, especially those with unregulated well water, should seek out the advice of trained and certified water treatment professionals and invest in state-registered devices.

Marc Daubitz

Water Pro Inc.

Marion