DRINKING WATER NOTICE
WARNING
Beginning Bridges Daycare water has high levels of nitrate-
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD
OR USE TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA
Water sample results received 9/14 and 9/21/05 showed nitrate levels of 11.4 ppm and 10.8 ppm and confirmation sample results received on 9/23 and 10/3/05 showed nitrate levels of 11.4 ppm and 10.8 ppm. This is above the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 ppm adopted by the State of Delaware. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
What should I do?
- 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. 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 since 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 can’t 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.
What happened? What is being done?
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. We’ll let you know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.
We are working with the Division of Public Health to resolve the nitrate violation. Possible solutions include drilling a new well, installing a nitrate removal system or connecting to a public water supply in compliance with the nitrate standard. The system should return to compliance within 60 days.
For more information, please contact Lori Lee Wilson at (302) 875-7428 or the Sussex County Health Unit at (302) 856-5496.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.
This notice is being sent to you by Beginning Bridges Daycare.
State Water System ID#: N/A
Date Distributed: 10/19/05
