Drinking Water Not Safe For Infants In Parts Of Logan, Kingfisher Counties

Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.

Tuesday, February 19th 2013, 1:44 pm

By: News 9


The results of recent water sample tests have forced officials with Logan County Rural Water to issue a drinking water warning due to nitrate contamination.

According to the water system, recent water sample results showed the nitrate level at 10.5 mg/1. The standard or maximum containment level (MCL) for nitrate is listed at 10 mg/1.

Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old. The water system serves areas of southwest Logan County and southeast Kingfisher County, including the town of Cashion and Cedar Valley Golf Course.

Officials say if you live in these areas, do not give the water to infants under six months old or use it to make infant formula. Infants below the age of six months who consume water contaminated with nitrate could become seriously ill and if not treated, could die. Adults and children older than six months old can drink the tap water. However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you should consult your doctor.

WHAT TO DO:

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months old could develop Blue Baby Syndrome. Symptoms in infants include a blueness of the skin and shortness of breath. Symptoms develop rapidly with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

DO NOT PREPARE DRINKS WITH WATER.
This includes juice and formula for children under six months old. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.

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

The warning is in effect until further notice. An investigation is underway to figure out why the level of nitrate is so high. Officials say nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources, including septic systems and run-off.

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