Nitrate in Santa Cruz, CA Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Santa Cruz, California · 95,967 residents · 6 ZIP codes
Recent water testing in Santa Cruz, California has returned Nitrate readings above detection thresholds.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Nitrate in Santa Cruz Tap Water
Santa Cruz, California has 18 EPA violations related to nitrate in drinking water.
This analysis covers 95,967 residents across 6 ZIP codes in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz's overall water quality grade is C (65/100).
Is Nitrate in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz
| Date | Violation Type | Status | ZIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95062 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95063 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95064 |
| 2024-04-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95065 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95062 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95063 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95064 |
| 2024-01-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95065 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95060 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95061 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95062 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95063 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95064 |
| 2023-10-01 | Nitrate-Nitrite (Known) | Known | 95065 |
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 Santa Cruz 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.