WHO Urged to Review Drinking Water Nitrate Limits

Global Organizations Call for Updated WHO Water Standards

A coalition of 85 international health and environmental organizations has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to review its drinking water standards for nitrate. In an open letter sent on Tuesday, the groups called for nitrate to be included in an upcoming review of WHO drinking water guidelines. They argue that scientific research published in recent years points to possible health risks from nitrate exposure at levels below the existing international limit.

Why Existing Nitrate Guidelines Are Being Questioned

The current WHO guideline allows a maximum nitrate concentration of 50 milligrams per litre, measured as nitrate, or 11.3 milligrams per litre when measured as nitrate-nitrogen. According to the organizations, the standard dates back to 1958 and was originally designed to prevent methemoglobinemia, commonly known as blue-baby syndrome. The groups say the guideline has not been updated to reflect newer research into the possible long-term effects of low-level exposure.

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Concerns About Cancer and Pregnancy Outcomes

The organizations highlighted studies that they say associate nitrate in drinking water, even at concentrations below the current WHO limit, with colorectal cancer and premature birth. WONCA chair Pratyush Kumar said research now links lower levels of nitrate exposure to bowel cancer and early births. These findings are being presented as reasons for a scientific review; the letter does not establish that nitrate exposure at those levels directly causes every reported health outcome.

Millions May Face Elevated Nitrate Exposure

The open letter also warned that surface-water models indicate hundreds of millions of people worldwide may be exposed to elevated nitrate levels. Nitrate contamination is associated with intensive agricultural activity, including livestock farming. Greenpeace International and other organizations called for stronger action to protect groundwater and rivers and to encourage farming practices that reduce pollution.

Danish Expert Panel Recommends a Lower Limit

The groups referred to findings from an expert panel commissioned by the Danish government and published last year. The panel concluded that the existing international standard was insufficient to protect public health and recommended reducing the nitrate limit to 6.0 milligrams per litre. Denmark committed earlier this year to adopting the lower limit, according to the report.

Why a WHO Review Matters Globally

Many countries use WHO drinking water guidelines as a reference when setting their own national standards. The organizations therefore argue that revising the international recommendation could influence drinking water policies around the world. They are asking the WHO to consider the latest scientific evidence as part of its upcoming review.

Call for Stronger Water Protection Measures

The organizations say updated standards should be accompanied by measures to reduce nitrate pollution at its source. Their recommendations include addressing pollution linked to intensive livestock farming and supporting producers who move towards ecological farming practices. The broader aim is to protect drinking water supplies and reduce potential health risks for communities, particularly children and pregnant women.