Many of SLO County's public water systems have been polluted with nitrates

When farmers use too much nitrogen fertilizer to help their crops grow, the substance can leach down into the groundwater below instead of being taken up by the plants. As a result, several public water systems in San Luis Obispo County have been polluted with nitrate. Many of the water systems have treatments systems to ensure customers are delivered clean, healthy water.

Consuming high amounts of nitrate from polluted groundwater can potentially lead to harmful health effects, especially in pregnant women and infants. The maximum amount of nitrates allowed in groundwater is 10 mg/L.

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