Ion exchange performance to remove nitrate in surface and underground water was studied experimentally in batch and continuous operation systems under various conditions. Data were collected by using commercially available strong-base anion-exchange resins of Cl(-) and OH(-) types. Equilibrium curves, obtained through the batch system and plotted as the concentration ratio versus run time, were used to evaluate the effects of temperature, resin type, and initial feed concentration on the equilibrium characteristics of nitrate. The selectivity coefficients of the resins were correlated as a function of temperature by using the Kraus-Raridon equation. Breakthrough curves, obtained through the continuous column system and plotted as the ratio of effluent to influent concentration versus solution volume passed through the experimental column, gave detailed results about the effects of the system parameters, such as temperature, resin type, feed concentration, volumetric flow rate, column diameter and height on the performance of the anion exchange to remove nitrate. The results of this study could be scaled up and used as a design tool for a water-purification system of real ground water and surface water treatment processes.