Drinking Water Chemistry - Understanding Nitrates and Nitrites

Drinking Water Chemistry - Understanding Nitrates and NitritesIn the realm of drinking water, we have nitrates and nitrites. And they're just one of the many essential nutrients in the water supply. But with water that is artificially treated it is very different. What you're drinking from a hosepipe may not be the cleanest water out there.Nitrates and nitrites are compounds that occur naturally in soil and plants. It has even been found in many non-organic fruits and vegetables. The key here is that when you eat foods that have been grown in areas where you're subject to a soil that is conducive to the growth of these nitrates and nitrites you are eating a lot of nitrates and nitrites. It's part of a natural process of growth in those soils.Nitrates and nitrites can be present at higher levels in some well treated water sources, such as some municipal supply systems. These sources are able to get rid of the nitrates and nitrites in a process called desalination. That process removes the chloride and sodium from the water. Chloride and sodium are both necessary elements for healthy water. But without them, the other components in your water would not function correctly.The major benefit to having water that has been treated this way is that it is a lot safer than tap water. Of course, you could also worry about how much of this chemical you're getting every time you drink from a hosepipe.So what can you do? If you're a regular home user of bottled water or some other source, you need to check with your local governing body to see if your water comes from a well. You may be able to switch your source over to something that is treated in a different way. Some water providers may offer it.If you're already drinking tap water, you may want to find out if the nitrate removal process is occurring in your city or area. Ask your local health department, school board, or water utility.We've talked about a few different examples of chemistry class, but the important thin g to remember is that we are all dealing with the same basic elements, water and oxygen. There are no 'dietary' guidelines for drinking water, so it's important to learn how to understand it in terms of your own body. And that goes beyond knowing how many nutrients to eat.