Exceeds EPA Limit Nitrate EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Nitrate in Saint Paul, MN Drinking Water

Nitrate data for Saint Paul, Minnesota · 817,295 residents · 42 ZIP codes

For residents of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Nitrate has appeared in public water supply sampling data.

10 mg/L (as nitrogen)
EPA MCL
20
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 Saint Paul Tap Water

Saint Paul, Minnesota has 20 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.

This analysis covers 817,295 residents across 42 ZIP codes in Saint Paul.

Saint Paul's overall water quality grade is D (54/100).

Is Nitrate in Saint Paul Water Safe?

Nitrate levels in parts of Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul

Date Violation Type Status ZIP Code
2025-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55118
2025-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55120
2025-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55121
2025-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55123
2025-07-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55118
2025-07-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55120
2025-07-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55121
2025-07-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55123
2025-04-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55118
2025-04-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55120
2025-04-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55121
2025-04-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55123
2025-01-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55118
2025-01-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55120
2025-01-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55121
2025-01-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55123
2024-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55118
2024-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55120
2024-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55121
2024-10-01 Nitrate (Known) Known 55123

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 Saint Paul 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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