The Worden, Ballantine, Yellowstone County Water and Sewer District issued a drinking water warning on Tuesday, June 10, 2019 informing area residents that water samples have tested above the maximum contaminant level of nitrates. DO NOT allow infants to drink any tap water in the Worden area. Infants do not have the ability to process nitrates and could become seriously ill and possibly die if not treated. Symptoms include shortness of breath and a blue tinge around the mouth, hands, and feet from lack of oxygen. This is because the body converts nitrates into nitrites which then bind to the hemoglobin in blood, forming methemoglobin and keeping oxygen from being distributed in the body.
All water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should be prepared from bottled water until further notice. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand will not reduce the levels of nitrates present, in fact boiling can make it more concentrated since nitrates remain behind after the water evaporates. The water should be safe for adults and children over six months as their bodies can more easily process nitrates. Pregnant women and people with specific health conditions are urged to consult their doctors before drinking water high in nitrates.
Nitrate can occur in drinking water from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources. This includes seeping in from septic systems, waste water, landfills, animal feedlots, and run-off from soil fertilized with nitrate fertilizers. The level of nitrates in drinking water can vary throughout the year and the WBYC Water and Sewer District is working with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to begin an increased monitoring of the levels and they are working on corrective action to return to compliance. For anyone in need of bottled water during this time, you can pick some up at the District Office at 2449 Main Street in Worden between 7:30am – 4:00pm or by appointment. For more information you can contact Sandy Kust at the District Office, call (406)670-4550, or visit the District website at wbyc.myruralwater.com.
