HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents in the Yoder area are being warned that nitrate levels in their drinking water remain above federal and state safety limits, according to Reno County officials.
The most recent test, collected Sept. 8 from Rural Water District 101, showed nitrate levels of 12 milligrams per liter. That exceeds the maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
High nitrate levels can be especially dangerous for infants younger than six months, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Infants exposed to nitrate-contaminated water are at risk of developing “blue baby syndrome,” a potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Nitrates can enter water supplies from natural, industrial or agricultural sources, including fertilizer runoff and septic systems. Reno County said it provides routine public notices for acute nitrate violations as required by KDHE.
Households with at-risk residents may request bottled water through the county until the problem is resolved. The water district will continue quarterly testing and public notifications until nitrate levels fall below the allowable limit.