The most practical method for removing nitrates from water is?

Ion exchange is considered the most practical method for removing nitrates from water because it efficiently targets and removes specific ions, such as nitrate, from the water supply. In this process, nitrate ions are exchanged for other ions, typically chloride ions, through a resin. The system is designed to effectively lower nitrate levels in a relatively quick and effective manner, making it suitable for drinking water treatment where nitrate contamination is a concern.

Although reverse osmosis is also effective in removing nitrates, it can be more costly and requires more maintenance compared to ion exchange. Lime softening is primarily used for hardness removal and is not specifically designed to target nitrates, while double reverse osmosis would generally be unnecessary for most situations involving nitrate removal, as a single stage of reverse osmosis can be sufficient.