Nitrate in Des Moines, IA Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Des Moines, Iowa · 220,294 residents · 58 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Nitrate in Des Moines, Iowa: the highest detected level is 7.15 ppb; the EPA limit is 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). 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 Last verified: 2026-07-13
Nitrate in Des Moines Tap Water
Nitrate has been detected in Des Moines, Iowa drinking water at a maximum level of 7.15 ppm — below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).
This analysis covers 220,294 residents across 58 ZIP codes in Des Moines.
Des Moines's overall water quality grade is C (62/100).
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.
Nitrate Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Nitrate Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50301 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50302 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50303 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50304 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50305 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50306 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50307 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50308 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50309 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50310 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50311 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50312 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50313 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50314 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50315 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50316 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50317 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50318 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50319 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50320 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50321 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50328 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50329 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50330 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 50331 | 7.15 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| ...33 more ZIP codes |
Average nitrate level across Des Moines: 7.15 ppb
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.