DRINKING WATER NOTICE

WARNING
First Step Preschool 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 June 16 and 18, 2009 showed nitrate levels of 13.4 ppm and 13.2 ppm respectively. 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.

The Nitrate removal system will be service and repaired. We should be able to return to compliance in 10 days.

For more information, please contact Carey Singer at (302) 422-6565 or Kevin W. Cottman with the Office of Drinking Water at (302) 741-8582.

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 First Step Preschool.

Public Water System ID#: DE00A0415

Date Distributed: 07/24/09