The City of Peoria issued a release Tuesday that shows a water sample tested recently had an unsafe level of nitrate.
The city says a sample from November 15 showed a level of 10.8 mg/L of nitrate. The maximum level that is safe to consume is 10 mg/L.
Once the exceeding level was detected, the city says it shut down the area well and the issue was resolved.
What does that mean for you if you live in the area?
Anyone in Peoria who has tap water saved in their fridge from between November 15 and 17 is asked to immediately throw it out.
Anyone with food left in their fridge prepared for infants under six months old using tap water between November 15 and 17 is asked to immediately throw it out.
The City of Peoria says the water is now safe, and any water used or put in the refrigerator after November 17 is safe.
According to the release:
“Infants below the age of six-months-old who drink water containing nitrate in excess of 10 parts per million MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. Infants cannot process nitrates like adults can”
The release also says adults and children over six months old can drink the tap water. However, anyone who is pregnant, or has serious health concerns, may wish to consult a doctor.
The city also said that it is always a good idea to give infants under six months old bottled water, and to use bottled water when preparing juice or formula.
Residents in the Vistancia and Quintero communities, or customers served by EPCOR, Rose Valley Water Company or Sunrise Water Company are not impacted by this issue.
The city says any water currently in their distribution system is safe to drink.
