Nitrate in Lebec, CA Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Lebec, California · 39,636 residents · 1 ZIP code
Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Lebec, California, that tracking has turned up Nitrate — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Nitrate in Lebec Tap Water
Nitrate has been detected in Lebec, California drinking water at a maximum level of 5.9 ppb — below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).
This analysis covers 39,636 residents across 1 ZIP code in Lebec.
Lebec's overall water quality grade is C (58/100).
Is Nitrate in Lebec 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93243 | 5.9 mg/L | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
Average nitrate level across Lebec: 5.9 ppb
EPA Violations for Nitrate in Lebec
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2023-07-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2023-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2023-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2022-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2021-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2021-07-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
| 2021-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 93243 |
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 Lebec 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.