As part of the 2025 Wings2Water Grant Awards, we are awarding $10,000 to the Izaak Walton League’s Nitrate Watch Program. This grant will provide more than 300 nitrate test kits for volunteers who are working to monitor and protect local water quality.
All test results are submitted to the Clean Water Hub, a nationwide database that tracks water health across the United States. By equipping and engaging volunteers, the Nitrate Watch Program empowers communities to better understand their water and take action to improve it. To date, nearly 64,000 water quality readings have been reported nationwide.
Why nitrate testing matters
Nitrate is a compound made of nitrogen and oxygen. While nitrogen is essential for plant growth, too much of it—often from fertilizers, manure, and sewage—can create serious risks.
High levels of nitrate in drinking water have been linked to health problems such as certain cancers, thyroid disease, and birth defects. In waterways, nitrate pollution contributes to algae blooms, fish kills, and the creation of dead zones that devastate aquatic ecosystems.
Take the Nitrate Watch Pledge
You can play an important role in protecting water quality. When you take the Nitrate Watch Pledge, you will receive a free nitrate test kit that includes everything you need to measure nitrate levels in your drinking water or local streams.
By participating, you’ll join a growing network of volunteers dedicated to cleaner, healthier water for all.