Easing up on the nitrate standard for drinking water not yet warranted

Why nitrate in vegetables and fruit is harmless for humans, while it can be harmful in drinking water is outlined in a recent scientific article. There is evidence, albeit scarce, that nitrate in drinking water increases health risks, in particular, the risk of colon cancer. There are still millions in rural areas of Europe and elsewhere exposed to untreated drinking water with a high a nitrate concentration from private wells. The increased potential risk for these people would seem to justify measures to tackle elevated nitrate.