What is considered a safe level of water for nitrates in drinking water?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum contaminant level for nitrates in drinking water at 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L), or 10 parts per million (ppm), as nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N). This limit is primarily to protect vulnerable populations, particularly infants and pregnant women, from health risks associated with high nitrate levels, such as methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome." Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure that nitrate levels remain within safe limits.