Nitrate
Desert Sky Dwid
Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4.10 ppm | 2 | 2 | 3.80 ppm - 4.40 ppm |
| 2019 | 0.896 ppm | 38 | 24 | ND - 4.60 ppm |
| 2020 | 1.45 ppm | 36 | 34 | ND - 4.77 ppm |
| 2021 | 0.461 ppm | 36 | 36 | 0.120 ppm - 1.40 ppm |
| 2022 | 0.397 ppm | 33 | 33 | 0.220 ppm - 0.750 ppm |
| 2023 | 0.621 ppm | 34 | 33 | ND - 4.30 ppm |
ppm = parts per million
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm
The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL): 10 ppm
The legal limit for nitrate, established in 1962, was developed to protect infants from acute methemoglobinemia, a life-threatening disorder of oxygen transport in the body. This limit does not fully protect against the risk of cancer and harm to the developing fetus.
ppm = parts per million
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-07-18 | 201807190397I | 3.80 ppm |
| 2018-07-18 | 201807190398I | 4.40 ppm |
| 2019-02-20 | 201902210316I | 4.50 ppm |
| 2019-02-20 | 201902210317I | 4.40 ppm |
| 2019-02-20 | 52728-05 | ND |
| 2019-02-20 | 52728-07 | ND |
| 2019-02-20 | 52728-08 | ND |
| 2019-02-20 | 52728-10 | ND |
| 2019-02-20 | 52728-28 | 3.50 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-01 | ND |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-03 | ND |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-04 | 0.520 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-05 | 0.490 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-06 | 0.650 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-07 | 0.440 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-08 | 4.60 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-09 | 0.240 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-10 | 4.00 ppm |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-11 | ND |
| 2019-03-10 | 52853-12 | 0.210 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-01 | 0.620 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-02 | 0.390 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-03 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-04 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-06 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-07 | 0.770 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-08 | 0.310 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-09 | 1.60 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-10 | 0.600 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-11 | 0.440 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-12 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-14 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-15 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-16 | 0.260 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-17 | 1.20 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-18 | ND |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-19 | 1.70 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-21 | 0.450 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-22 | 1.30 ppm |
| 2019-04-02 | 53068-23 | 0.870 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-01 | ND |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-02 | 3.70 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-03 | ND |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-04 | 0.140 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-05 | 0.250 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-06 | 0.250 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-07 | 3.23 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-08 | 0.270 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-09 | 0.150 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-10 | 0.620 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-11 | 0.990 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-12 | 3.68 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-13 | 3.10 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-14 | 3.34 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-15 | 0.460 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-16 | 0.460 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-17 | 2.62 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-18 | 3.74 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-19 | 0.250 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-20 | 3.72 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-21 | 3.28 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-22 | 2.03 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-23 | 0.250 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-24 | 4.77 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-25 | 0.440 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-26 | 1.96 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-27 | 2.37 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-28 | 0.330 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-29 | 0.330 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-30 | 0.450 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-31 | 0.480 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-32 | 0.430 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-33 | 0.540 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-34 | 2.68 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-35 | 0.700 ppm |
| 2020-12-22 | 20L2595-36 | 0.140 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-01 | 0.290 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-02 | 0.400 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-03 | 0.290 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-04 | 1.40 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-05 | 0.310 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-06 | 0.280 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-07 | 0.380 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-08 | 0.290 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-09 | 0.420 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-10 | 0.440 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-11 | 0.470 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-12 | 0.440 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-13 | 0.290 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-14 | 0.640 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-15 | 0.660 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-16 | 0.560 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-17 | 0.720 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-18 | 0.510 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-19 | 0.710 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-20 | 0.750 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-21 | 0.750 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-23 | 0.500 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-24 | 0.490 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-25 | 0.680 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-26 | 0.490 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-27 | 0.790 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-28 | 0.120 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-29 | 0.230 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-30 | 0.220 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-31 | 0.300 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-32 | 0.380 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-33 | 0.340 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-34 | 0.370 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-35 | 0.390 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-36 | 0.140 ppm |
| 2021-12-09 | 21L1322-37 | 0.150 ppm |
| 2022-01-04 | 22A0425-01 | 0.490 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-10IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-11IOC | 0.280 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-12IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-13IOC | 0.680 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-14IOC | 0.660 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-15IOC | 0.310 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-16IOC | 0.310 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-17IOC | 0.250 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-18IOC | 0.750 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-19IOC | 0.400 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-20IOC | 0.400 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-21IOC | 0.440 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-22IOC | 0.230 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-23IOC | 0.400 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-24IOC | 0.670 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-25IOC | 0.400 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-26IOC | 0.400 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-27IOC | 0.680 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-28IOC | 0.220 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-29IOC | 0.670 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-2IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-30IOC | 0.390 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-31IOC | 0.410 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-32IOC | 0.390 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-33IOC | 0.390 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-3IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-4IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-5IOC | 0.280 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-6IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-7IOC | 0.280 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-8IOC | 0.290 ppm |
| 2022-06-15 | 550-185685-9IOC | 0.280 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-1 | 0.280 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-10 | 0.430 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-11 | 0.320 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-12 | 0.470 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-13 | 0.260 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-14 | 0.510 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-15 | 0.270 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-16 | 0.530 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-17 | 0.310 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-18 | 4.30 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-19 | 0.530 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-2 | 0.290 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-20 | 0.310 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-21 | 0.240 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-22 | 0.530 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-23 | 0.520 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-24 | 0.530 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-25 | 0.500 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-26 | 0.540 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-27 | 0.520 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-28 | 0.460 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-29 | 0.500 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-3 | 0.520 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-30 | 0.200 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-31 | 0.490 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-32 | 0.280 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-33 | 0.500 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-4 | 0.520 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-5 | 3.60 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-6 | 0.420 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-7 | 0.480 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-8 | 0.480 ppm |
| 2023-06-23 | 550-203846-9 | 0.490 ppm |
| 2023-07-13 | 23G1688-02 | ND |