Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Lubbock, TX Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Lubbock, Texas · 286,407 residents · 27 ZIP codes

Because Nitrate is associated with health effects at sustained elevated exposures, residents in Lubbock, Texas may find it useful that local water systems have returned detectable concentrations — facts that bear on long-term household water decisions.

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
27
EPA Violations
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04

Nitrate in Lubbock Tap Water

Lubbock, Texas has 27 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.

This analysis covers 286,407 residents across 27 ZIP codes in Lubbock.

Lubbock's overall water quality grade is D (52/100).

Is Nitrate in Lubbock Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Lubbock 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 Lubbock

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79401
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79402
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79403
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79404
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79405
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79406
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79407
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79408
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79409
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79410
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79411
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79412
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79413
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79414
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79415
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79416
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79423
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79424
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79430
2025-01-01 Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) Known 79452
... 7 more violations

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 Lubbock 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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