Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Fresno, CA Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Fresno, California · 615,595 residents · 58 ZIP codes

For residents of Fresno, California, Nitrate has appeared in public water supply sampling data.

13 ppb
Max Level Detected
13 ppb
Average Level
10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

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

Nitrate in Fresno Tap Water

Nitrate has been detected in Fresno, California drinking water at a maximum level of 13 ppb — below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).

This analysis covers 615,595 residents across 58 ZIP codes in Fresno.

Fresno's overall water quality grade is B (73/100).

Is Nitrate in Fresno Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Fresno 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.

Nitrate Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Nitrate Level EPA Limit Status
93650 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93701 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93702 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93703 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93704 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93705 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93706 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93707 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93708 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93709 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93710 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93711 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93712 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93714 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93715 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93716 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93717 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93718 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93720 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93721 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93722 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93723 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93724 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93725 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
93726 13 mg/L 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) OK
...33 more ZIP codes

Average nitrate level across Fresno: 13 ppb

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 Fresno 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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