SLATER, Iowa — The city of Slater is warning residents about high nitrite levels in the water supplied by the Slater Municipal Water Department (SMWD).
On Thursday, the water department issued a drinking water warning, advising that the water should not be given to infants under six months old or used to make infant formula. The warning was based on measurements from a water sample taken on September 17, which showed nitrite levels of 1.10 mg/L. That’s above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 1.0 mg/L.
Measles cases in Iowa reach 38 as outbreak continues, Iowa HHS reports
The water department said the high nitrite level poses a serious health concern for infants under the age of six months because they can’t process nitrites the way adults can. If they are given water with nitrite levels above the MCL, they could become seriously ill and, if untreated, could die. Symptoms to watch for include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome, indicated by a blue tinge to the skin.
Water should not be used to prepare juice or formula for children under six months. Bottled water should be used until further notice, according to the SMWD…