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This paper deals with the research advances which have been made in recent years to overcome the problems associated with nitrate removal by ion exchange, the preferred method in the US because of its simplicity, ruggedness, effectiveness, and relatively low cost. Problems with nitrate removal by ion exchange include: disposal of the spent regenerant brine containing excess salt and nitrate; increased corrosivity and negative health effects; and anion resin fouling when applied to surface waters. The authors include a discussion of the primary competing process for nitrate removal--biological denitrification. Also provided is a detailed summary of the ion-exchange process, including: the multicomponent ion exchange, effects of water quality on nitrate ion exchange, choices of resins for nitrate removal, regeneration of nitrate-laden resin, and the disposal of nitrate-contaminated brine. Samples from well water in Glendale, Arizona, are provided as well as detailed process and cost comparisons. See more