Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Dover, PA Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Dover, Pennsylvania · 23,552 residents · 1 ZIP code

Not every city shows Nitrate in its water data; in Dover, Pennsylvania, federal sampling has confirmed its presence at detectable levels in at least one recent reporting cycle.

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
6
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Nitrate in Dover Tap Water

Dover, Pennsylvania has 6 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.

This analysis covers 23,552 residents across 1 ZIP code in Dover.

Dover's overall water quality grade is D (45/100).

Is Nitrate in Dover Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Dover exceed the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

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 Dover

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2023-10-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 17315
2023-07-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 17315
2023-04-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 17315
2022-10-01 Nitrate (Resolved) Resolved 17315
2022-07-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 17315
2022-04-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 17315

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 Dover Water

  1. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for nitrate removal
  2. Ion exchange systems designed for nitrate can also work
  3. Standard carbon filters do NOT remove nitrate
  4. Boiling water increases nitrate concentration — never boil for nitrate

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for nitrate removal.

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