Well Water Potability

NITRATE (NO₃)
The maximum acceptable concentration of nitrate in drinking water is 45 mg/L as NO₃.  In excessive amounts it contributes to the illness known as methemoglobinemia in infants. Sources of nitrate in water include decaying plant or animal material, agricultural fertilizers, manure, domestic sewage or geological formations containing soluble nitrogen compounds.

TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIA
The presence of coliform organisms is an indication of pollution.  The maximum acceptable concentration for total coliforms is no organisms detectable per 100 mL of sample.  If any coliform organisms are detected, the site should be resampled, and if the presence of coliforms is confirmed, the appropriate corrective action should be taken.