Hoxie residents warned of possible high nitrates in water

HOXIE, Kan. (KSNW) — Hoxie residents are being warned of possible high nitrate levels in water.

The city says they are currently awaiting testing of the public water system after high nitrate levels were discovered in the city well. A sample from the well showed a concentration of 12 milligrams per liter; 10 milligrams or less per liter is considered safe for consumption.

The City of Hoxie says that the well is out of service, and there is currently not a high nitrate level in the city’s water system. The are awaiting a confirmation testing kit from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to test the well to determine if the well truly does have unsafe levels of nitrates.

Ingestion of nitrates can cause a variety of health issues, and it is a suspected carcinogen . Nitrates enter the water through the use of inorganic fertilizers and animal manure.

Until they receive confirmation, they are asking Hoxie residents to take the following precautions:

• DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS . Infants below the age of six months who drink 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. Nitrate is an acute toxin to infants less than six months of age. In infants, it can cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia, or “blue-baby syndrome” which can be fatal. The most obvious symptom is a bluish skin coloring, especially around the eyes and mouth. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. An infant with bluish skin should be taken immediately to a medical facility for treatment. It is safe to bathe or shower in tap water with elevated nitrate levels.

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

Residents with questions can contact City of Hoxie Superintendent Justin Armknecht at 785-675-3291.

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