Nitrate
inorganic chemical
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits. Common in agricultural areas and shallow wells.
EPA regulatory status
Legal limit (MCL)
10 mg/L
Goal (MCLG)
10 mg/L
MCL 10 mg/L measured as nitrogen (as N). MCLG = 10 mg/L.
Health effects
Infants under six months who drink water high in nitrate can develop methemoglobinemia (blue-baby syndrome), which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include shortness of breath and bluish skin.
This is general public-health information, not medical advice — consult your physician with any health concerns.
National violations
318,803
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 318,803 violations of Nitrate's rule nationally.
How to remove Nitrate
distillation
NSF/ANSI 62
Frequently asked questions
What is Nitrate?
Nitrate is a inorganic chemical regulated in US drinking water. Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits. Common in agricultural areas and shallow wells.
What is the legal limit for Nitrate in drinking water?
MCL 10 mg/L measured as nitrogen (as N). MCLG = 10 mg/L.
What health effects does Nitrate have?
Infants under six months who drink water high in nitrate can develop methemoglobinemia (blue-baby syndrome), which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include shortness of breath and bluish skin.
How many violations of Nitrate limits are on record nationally?
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 318,803 violations of Nitrate's rule nationally.
How do I remove Nitrate from my water?
Filter technologies certified to reduce Nitrate include: reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58), distillation (NSF/ANSI 62). Look for a filter independently certified against the specific NSF/ANSI standard for this contaminant — general "reduces contaminants" marketing claims are not the same as a contaminant-specific certification.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations · Data as of 2026-07-16