Despite five water sample results in July that showed nitrate levels in San Juan Bautista’s water system were below the maximum contaminant level of 45 milligrams per liter, the city is continuing its warning urging residents and businesses not to drink or cook with water from the tap. The city has been sending out monthly updates on the water situation as it investigates water treatments and other options. Officials have said water restrictions are likely to stretch into 2015.
Last month, water sample test results showed nitrate levels ranging from 35.6 mg/L to 43.3 mg/L, but that followed two months in which nitrate levels were far above the maxiumum contaminant level.
“The city is issuing this notice as a precaution,” said the warning posted on the city’s website. “Nitrates in drinking water are a serious health concern for infants less than six months old and pregnant women.”
Infants who drink water containing high nitrate levels can quickly become ill and, if untreated, could die, according to the city’s warning. Nitrates can interfere with the capacity of an infant’s blood to carry oxygen. Water high in nitrates can also affect the oxygen-carrying ability of the blood of pregnant women.
San Juan continues to offer free bottled water to pregnant women or families with infants under 6 months old. Local restaurants are cooking with and serving bottled water and canned soda and schools, business owners and residential rental property owners and managers are required to share news of the city’s ongoing water restrictions.
The city has discussed drilling a new well, blending its current water supply with low-nitrate water and procuring a water treatment system. “All of the options have their associated costs that must be weighed out,” this month’s water announcement said “The City is submitting grant funding application(s) to implement the selected projects.”
For more information, contact the City of San Juan Bautista at 311 Second St., by phone at 623-4661 or after hours at 831-902-0887.