Nitrate in Rural Water Supplies in North Carolina

by Ronald E. Sneed, North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, United States,
Gregory D. Jennings, North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, United States,
Rodney L. Huffman, North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, United States,
Michael D. Smolen, North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, United States,
Lawson M. Safley, Jr., North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, United States,
Frank J. Humenik, North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Symposium on Ground Water

Abstract:

Over 9000 rural water supplies in North Carolina were analyzed for nitrate, chloride, electrical conductivity and pH. Data were collected on well characteristics and potential sources of contamination. Well depth is the primary factor affecting nitrate concentrations, with shallow wells most likely to have high levels. Close proximity to cropland and animal operations show some correlation with elevated nitrate levels, but these factors are not as strong or as prevalent as the correlation with well depth.

Subject Headings: Water pollution | Water sampling | Water resources | Water quality | Nitrates | Groundwater pollution | Wells (water) | North Carolina

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