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Erie, Illinois reports high levels of nitrates in tap water

Water in the Village of Erie should not be given to infants due to high levels of nitrates. A water sample showed nitrate levels of 10.4, above the standard of ...

Update: 

A statement from the Village of Erie said that the past two samples indicate that the Nitrate levels returned to being within the IEPA's standards.

"The water is now safe for consumption for all citizens," read the statement. "Thank you for your cooperation concerning this issue."

Original post:

ERIE, Illinois — Water in the Village of Erie should not be given to infants due to high levels of nitrates. A water sample showed nitrate levels of 10.4, above the standard of 10 milligrams per liter, reports the Village of Erie.

The results were received by the village Friday, September 30.

Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for children under 6-months-old and should not be given to children or used in formula. Symptoms of nitrate illness include shortness of breath, blue baby syndrome, which is indicated by blueness of the skin.

Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water; it is only dangerous for infants because they can't process nitrates the way adults can, says the village's press release. Boiling, freezing, filtering and letting water stand does not chance the nitrate levels. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated.

The Village of Erie says it is actively pursuing a grant from the USDA to install nitrate filtration as the nitrate numbers have been growing during the recent years. Bottled water will be made available to those in need, free of charge, for households with children 6 months or younger, or if you are pregnant.

For more information, call Douglas Farran with public works at 309-314-5831.

CLICK HERE for more information from the Centers for Disease Control 

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