Nitrate in Raleigh, NC Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Raleigh, North Carolina · 560,455 residents · 17 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Nitrate in Raleigh, North Carolina: Nitrate carries a high health-risk designation.
At elevated levels, Nitrate is a recognized health concern in drinking water; in Raleigh, North Carolina, it has been detected in recent samples logged through federal compliance reporting.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO
Nitrate in Raleigh Tap Water
Raleigh, North Carolina has 9 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.
This analysis covers 560,455 residents across 17 ZIP codes in Raleigh.
Is Nitrate in Raleigh 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.
EPA Violations for Nitrate in Raleigh
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 27603 |
| 2025-10-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 27610 |
| 2025-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 27610 |
| 2024-10-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 27603 |
| 2024-07-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 27603 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 27603 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 27603 |
| 2022-04-01 | Nitrate (Resolved) | Resolved | 27603 |
| 2022-01-01 | Nitrate (Known) | Known | 27603 |
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 Raleigh 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.