Nitrates are naturally occurring compounds that are formed when organic matter decomposes in nature. Nitrates are colorless, odorless and tasteless compounds and cannot be detected unless water samples are laboratory tested. The primary inorganic nitrates that may contaminate drinking water are potassium and ammonium nitrate both widely used in lawn and garden fertilizers. Most nitrogenous materials in natural waters tend to convert to nitrate so all sources of combined nitrogen; particularly organic nitrogen and ammonium should be considered as potential sources of contamination. The EPA defines maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed in drinking water to be 10 mg/L NO3-N or 45 mg/NO3. Certain populations should monitor nitrate levels to insure they do not suffer any ill health effects. Aries nitrate reduction cartridges use ResinTech® SIR-100-HP resin. Its unique functionality offers twenty-five times greater nitrate affinity than standard strong-based anion resins. This cartridge reduces nitrates efficiently with low leakage, and eliminates the possibility of nitrate dumping upon exhaustion. Available with Quick Connect connectors in 6″ and 12″ lengths. Aries Inline filters cartridges are designed for low-flow, point-of-use filtration.