- 1). Purchase nitrate water test strips from your local hardware or home improvement store.
- 2). Fill a cup with water.
- 3). Dip the test strip into the water for the amount of time recommended on the instructions, usually one to two seconds. Remove the strip.
- 4). Wait until the test strip changes color, which usually occurs after one minute.
- 5). Match the color of the test strip to the chart provided with the nitrate test kit. Nitrate levels that exceed 10 ppm (parts per million) are considered unsafe, according to Colorado State University Extension.
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