How much nitrate is in Palm Desert water?

The maximum detected level of nitrate in Palm Desert water is 9 ppb. The EPA limit is 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). See the ZIP code table above for area-specific levels.

Detected Nitrate

Nitrate in Palm Desert, CA Drinking Water

Q: Is nitrate in Palm Desert water safe?

Nitrate was detected in Palm Desert water at 9 ppb, below the EPA limit of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen). Check ZIP-level data on this page for your specific area.

Nitrate data for Palm Desert, California · 274,881 residents · 4 ZIP codes

Routine testing in Palm Desert, California turned up Nitrate — samples from the public supply came back positive, placing this contaminant on the list of substances residents here have a concrete reason to look into.

9 ppb

Max Level Detected

9 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 Palm Desert Tap Water

Nitrate has been detected in Palm Desert, California drinking water at a maximum level of 9 ppb — below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).

This analysis covers 274,881 residents across 4 ZIP codes in Palm Desert.

Palm Desert's overall water quality grade is C (63/100).

Is Nitrate in Palm Desert Water Safe?

Nitrate was detected in Palm Desert water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA MCL may not be protective enough.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter can reduce nitrate levels further.

Nitrate Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code	Nitrate Level	EPA Limit	Status
92211	9 mg/L	10 mg/L (as nitrogen)	OK
92255	9 mg/L	10 mg/L (as nitrogen)	OK
92260	9 mg/L	10 mg/L (as nitrogen)	OK
92261	9 mg/L	10 mg/L (as nitrogen)	OK

Average nitrate level across Palm Desert: 9 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 Palm Desert 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.

Home → Contaminants → Nitrate → California → Palm Desert