So if my tap water is high in nitrates(80+) then what?

Answer 1

So, you must be talking about an aquarium I would guess. Just go buy some bottled water, drinking water or spring water. Do not use distilled.
Then you don't have to worry about it.

Answer 2

That's rather high for drinking water. Are you certain you're not reading the test wrong? This violates the safe water act as I'm fairly certain that the limit is 10 ppm.

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/dw_contamfs/nitrates.html
"In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals.

The MCLG for nitrates has been set at 10 parts per million (ppm), and for nitrites at 1 ppm, because EPA believes this level of protection would not cause any of the potential health problems described below.

Based on this MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible, considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants using suitable treatment technologies.

The MCL for nitrates has been set at 10 ppm, and for nitrites at 1 ppm, because EPA believes, given present technology and resources, this is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking water.

These drinking water standards and the regulations for ensuring these standards are met, are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water supplies must abide by these regulations."

Answer 3

Saber is 100% correct, that's way above any level that should be pumped out. That said I have seen mine come out at 40+ on numerous occasions and I even took it to the water company and they confirmed it. Not that they had much to say about it of course. All you can really do is wait it out and use bottled wate to bring it down to a reasonable level. If it becomes a seriously long term issue, you might consider a denitrification filter, but those are usually rather pricey.

MM

Answer 4

That is a nice way of saying there is fecal matter in it. I would suggest not ever drinking it! You should only drink water filtered through a micron filter or reverse osmosis.

Answer 5

then dont drink dat ****