SANDRA MILBURN
Reno County PIO
YODER, Kan. — Nitrate levels have continued to be above allowable limits in Rural Water District 101, which serves the Yoder area. The last nitrate level test was collected on December 5, 2023. The level tested at 12.0 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas and Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems.
Nitrate levels in water resources have increased in many areas due to applications of inorganic fertilizer and animal manure in agricultural areas.
Below is information about the initial test result and public notice from August 12, 2020. Since that date, Reno County has tested quarterly, and each test result has been above the Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems.
On August 12, 2020, Reno County received a precautionary public notice for acute nitrate violation from KDHE. A warning was then sent to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under 6 months.
Subsequent notices were sent notifying residents that bottled water will be provided, upon request, to any household with members at increased risk from the nitrates, such as infants, nursing mothers, pregnant women, and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider.
Reno County Public Works is currently in discussions with the City of Hutchinson regarding the purchase of water for Yoder.
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