Nitrate in Des Moines, IA Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Des Moines, Iowa · 220,294 residents · 12 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Nitrate in Des Moines, Iowa: Nitrate carries a high health-risk designation.
Nitrate is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act because of its potential health effects at elevated concentrations; for residents of Des Moines, Iowa, the relevant fact is that it has shown up in recent EPA compliance samples - point-of-use filtration is one option residents research, alongside reviewing the utility's published treatment data.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO
Nitrate in Des Moines Tap Water
Des Moines, Iowa has 1 EPA violation related to nitrate in drinking water.
This analysis covers 220,294 residents across 12 ZIP codes in Des Moines.
Is Nitrate in Des Moines Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
EPA Violations for Nitrate in Des Moines
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 50317 |
Health Effects of Nitrate
- Methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under 6 months
- Increased risk of colorectal and bladder cancer (long-term)
- Thyroid disease from chronic exposure
- Possible reproductive effects
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
How Nitrate Gets Into Drinking Water
- Agricultural fertilizer runoff
- Animal feedlot operations and manure
- Septic system leachate
- Urban stormwater and wastewater discharge
What to Do About Nitrate in Des Moines Water
- Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
- Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
- Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
- Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.