Once again Johnson Utilities has had to warn San Tan Valley families about high levels of nitrates in the water. This warning is specific to parts of the Copper Basin subdivision.
The water in question should not be given to infants under 6 months old or used to make infant formula.
The letter to customers reads:
“Water sample results collected 04/11/2017 and 04/24/2017 showed nitrate levels of 12 mg/L and 12.2 mg/L, respectively at its Bella Vista Water Plant (EPDS011). This is above the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.”
“Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year.”
What should I do? What does this mean?
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink the water containing nitrate 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 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.
Adults and children are older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can). However if you’re pregnant or have specific health concerns you may wish to consult your doctor.
According to the company, the affected well was already offline when Johnson Utilities was informed by ADEQ at 8:00 a.m. on 04/24/2017 that the nitrate testing results sample by their contractor exceeded the MCL. The well in question has been off-line since Friday, April 21 and will remain out of service until alternate solutions can be developed. Typically, this well is used to supplement peak consumption demands in portions of the Copper basin subdivision during the morning peak hours between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The Copper Basin subdivision will continue to be serviced water from its normal source of supply, the Main Yard.