The activities and selectivities of Pd-Cu and Pt-Cu bimetallic catalysts supported on different carbon materials (activated carbons with different surface chemistries, multiwalled carbon nanotubes and carbon xerogels) were studied in the catalytic reduction of nitrate in water. The surface chemistry of the support has an important role in the catalyst activity and selectivity, being its influence more pronounced when Pt-Cu catalysts are used. Generally, catalysts supported on basic carbon materials are more active and selective.