Utility companies monitor nitrate problem in groundwater
by
Josh Egbert
Story Created:
Feb 1, 2012 at 6:46 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 1, 2012 at 6:55 PM CDT
It's forced two wells to be shut down and a major problem for Hastings water. But now one local natural resources district is eying a way to control it.
We're talking about fertilizer contamination.
The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District in York is taking steps in trying to control the contamination of drinking water in agricultural settings.
The district is looking at using nitrogen inhibitors to help control the problem. The NRD is notifying some 56,000 residents of a March 1st public hearing on the nitrate containment proposal.
Nitrate is a significant problem in the Upper Big Blue area.
Nitrogen is an important component in maximizing corn yield, but it contributed to water quality problems when it leeches below the root zone and into the water table.
Hastings Utilities were forced to shut down two wells in the past because nitrate levels we're too high.
Persistently high nitrates can cause a condition call blue baby syndrome.
Marvin Schultes, Manager of Hastings Utilities says it's extremely important to monitor the levels.
"Nitrates in this part of the state and indeed the entire state are continuing to increase and we're seeing that locally, that nitrates continue to increase and we've lost several wells already to nitrates because it's over 10," said Schultes.
The average nitrate level in the Hastings water system is 7.2 parts per million, levels at 10 parts per million or more can create health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women.
That hearing in York will take place March first at 1:30 in the York City Auditorium.
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