What condition is caused by high nitrate levels in drinking water?

High nitrate levels in drinking water can lead to a serious condition known as Blue Baby Syndrome, or methemoglobinemia, particularly in infants. This occurs when nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body, which can interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen. The condition can cause a bluish coloration of the skin, especially in the lips and extremities, hence the term "Blue Baby Syndrome."

Nitrates enter the groundwater primarily through agricultural runoff, and the syndrome is especially concerning because infants under six months old are most vulnerable due to their immature digestive systems. This medical condition emphasizes the importance of monitoring nitrate levels in drinking water, particularly in areas with intensive farming practices.

While groundwater contamination, storm drain overflow, and nutrient uptake issues are all significant environmental and agricultural concerns, they are not conditions specifically caused by high nitrate levels in drinking water affecting human health.