MARIETTA, OH — High levels of nitrates have been detected in a portion of the water supply for Devola, affecting more than 900 homes and businesses, according to a November 30 Marietta Times report.
The Putnam Community Water Association on November 26 issued a warning about the situation in Devola, a farming community in
Putnam Community Water Association Manager Jay Huck said a November 18 water sample recorded nitrates at 13.8 parts per million (ppm), slightly above the federal safe drinking water maximum contaminant level of of 10 ppm. Another test was performed on November 24, and that test came back at 7.2 ppm. “We have to average those two numbers which left us at 10.55 ppm, over the limit by 0.55 ppm, and prompted the water warning to be issued,” Huck said in the story.
Water high in nitrates that is ingested by infants, pregnant women, adults with low stomach acidity or people with a certain enzyme deficiency can cause methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” as the ingested nitrates are converted to nitrites in the body. This reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and severe cases result in brain damage or death.
Huck said in the story that there were no reported illnesses associated with the recent event. He noted there was a similar warning issued in the water system about two years ago. The current warning will remain in effect until at least the end of this week.
To read the full report, click here.
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