Safety Report: High Nitrate Levels Detected in McFarland's Water Supply, McFarland, CA, USA

McFarland, 93250 California, United States

The City of McFarland has issued a notification to its residents regarding elevated nitrate levels in one of its crucial water wells that contributes to the city's water distribution system. The issue raises concerns about water safety in the affected area.

Water samples collected from the Browning Well in McFarland on August 22nd revealed nitrate levels exceeding the maximum contaminant level, registering at 11 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The State Water Resources Control Board specifies that the maximum allowable contamination level for nitrates is 10 mg/L.

Upon retesting on September 15th, Mayor Saul Ayon of McFarland reported that the nitrate level had reduced to 10 mg/L. However, the State Water Resources Control Board calculated an average of 10.5 mg/L, indicating that the nitrate concentration still exceeded the established safety limit.

To safeguard public health, McFarland officials have issued several precautionary measures:
1. Restrictions for Pregnant Women and Infants: Residents are urged not to provide this water to pregnant women and infants under the age of six months. Nitrate exposure in infants can lead to a condition known as methemoglobinemia or "Blue Baby Syndrome." This condition hinders oxygen transport in the bloodstream, causing affected infants to turn blue, even though they are breathing normally. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
2. Risk to Pregnant Women: Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water may increase the risk of premature births in pregnant women.
3. Water Treatment Ineffectiveness: Residents are advised not to attempt to reduce nitrate levels through boiling, filtering, freezing, or allowing the water to stand, as these methods will not effectively lower nitrate concentrations.

The city has taken measures to address the issue by:
-Reduced the utilization of the contaminated well
-Increased water production from alternative city wells
-Initiated engineering plans to introduce a water treatment plant for the contaminated well
-Sought funding from the State Water Resources Control Board to bolster the critical water infrastructure.

Source: bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/city-of-mcfarland-warns-of-high-nitrate-levels-in-water-advises-precaution-for-pregnant-women-and-infants-kern-county-drinking-water-browning-well