The review deals with the hot world global problem - removal of nitrates from drinking water. Short descriptions of potential techniques like ion exchange, electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, microbiological treatment and catalytic reduction with hydrogen are given; the last two are the most perspective. The catalytic reduction is discussed in more detail. Palladium catalysts modified with other metals, mainly copper and tin, are discussed from the viewpoints of the used support (either inorganic or functionalized organic resins), method of preparation (impregnation and ion-exchange methods) and appropriate reaction conditions (pH, temperature) aimed at good accessibility of catalytic sites and achieving high selectivity