DRINKING WATER WARNING

Wellman Municipal Water Works water has high levels of nitrite.

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA

The City of Wellman has determined that the water supply is in violation of state regulations. Upon doing sampling in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources water sample results received April 25, 2008 showed nitrite levels at 1.5 mg/L. This is above the nitrite standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 1.0 mg/L. Nitrite in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.

What happened? What is being done?

Nitrite in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrite in drinking water can vary throughout the year. We’ll let you know when the amount of nitrite is again below the limit.

As a result of these test findings we have taken part of the water plant off-line and are in the process of correcting this problem. Please follow the following recommendations on Nitrites. Again this problem is temporary and with corrective action we will have your water system back to normal soon. We are in compliance with all other sampling. The water continues to be chlorinated. Duane Covington, Operator

For more information, please contact the City of Wellman, 319-646-2154, PO Box 129, Wellman, IA 52356; or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 319-653-2135; or the Washington County Public Health Office at 319-653-7758; or the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory at 800-421-4692.

What should I do?

• DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

• Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrites should be used for infants until further rnotice.

• DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrite level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrites more concentrated, because nitrites remain behind when the water evaporates.

• Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrite is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrites in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

NITRITE FACT SHEET

WHAT THE CITY MUST DO:

MCL:

• 1.0ppm (results<=1.05 do not exceed MCL; results>1.05 exceed MCL)

Public notification:

• Required within 24 hours of discovery of the violation. Public notification (PN) is made to various sources depending on the type of PWS. (See PN requirements for various systems). Some water supplies may request that you email or fax the required public notice language and the public notice requirements to them.
• There is specific information to add to the PN language, such as the date of the samples, the contact name and phone#, corrective actions, etc.
• The water supply must make an attempt to reach all consumers of the water not just all customers.

Cause of MCL violation:

• Nitrite in drinking water can come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrite in drinking water can vary throughout the year. Nitrification of ammonia can cause nitrite levels above the MCL.

Corrective Action Required:

• No immediate corrective action is possible for nitrite levels above the MCL.
• The system must be monitored to determine when the levels have dropped below the MCL.
• If nitrification is occurring and causing the MCL, some alternative such as flushing may lower the levers. Contact FO WS staff or WSOS staff for information.