Nitrate in Tucson, AZ Drinking Water
Nitrate data for Tucson, Arizona · 830,616 residents · 54 ZIP codes
Nitrate exposure in drinking water is tracked by EPA across the country; households in Tucson, Arizona are among those with confirmed detections in the public water record.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Nitrate in Tucson Tap Water
Nitrate has been detected in Tucson, Arizona drinking water at a maximum level of 7.2 ppb — below the EPA MCL of 10 mg/L (as nitrogen).
This analysis covers 830,616 residents across 54 ZIP codes in Tucson.
Tucson's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).
Is Nitrate in Tucson Water Safe?
Nitrate was detected in Tucson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85701 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85702 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85703 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85704 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85705 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85706 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85709 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85710 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85711 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85712 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85713 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85714 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85715 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85716 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85717 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85718 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85719 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85720 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85721 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85722 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85723 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85724 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85725 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85726 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| 85728 | 7.2 ppm | 10 mg/L (as nitrogen) | OK |
| ...25 more ZIP codes |
Average nitrate level across Tucson: 7.2 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 Tucson 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.