Drinking water quality standards have been set by the federal government to offer the greatest protection to infants. The standard of ten milligrams per liter (mg/l) nitrate-nitrogen has a small margin of safety built into it. Because of this safety factor, some individuals can drink water exceeding the standard and show no adverse affects. However, levels above this standard are considered to be potentially hazardous.
Currently, there is no regulatory drinking water quality standard for livestock. Researchers Suggest a level of 100 milligrams per liter of nitrate-nitrogen. Strong animals may tolerate higher levels, but this level is designed to protect animals that are unhealthy, very young, pregnant or on a low-energy diet nitrate levels in feed and forage must also be considered in rations for ruminant animals.