Nitrate -- A drinking water concern?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has informed Tom Green County Fresh Water Supply District #3 that there levels of Nitrate are too high. 

The maximum contaminant level for nitrate set by the EPA is 10 milligrams per litter; analysis of drinking water in the Dove Creek indicates a level of 12 milligrams per litter.

Edward Brininstool said, "We are not that high above the limit so we are not that concern and also we more then likely have other wells of our seven, this is from one well. So it is highly likely we can switch to another."

Dr. Steven Seifert said, "Normal drinking water typically has 1 milligram per liter of nitrogen.  The acceptable rate is up to 10.  So 12 is just slightly above that."

So what has caused the levels of nitrate to exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level?

Brininstool said, "Fertilizers or decaying septic products and also it is naturally in some places."

We spoke with Dr. Seifert of Shannon Medical Center about who may be at risk and what they need to know.

Dr. Seifert, "If they are not in that high risk group, not to worry at all.  If they are, if they do have a small infant or they are nursing or they could be pregnant it might be a good idea to either drink bottled water or reverse osmosis water which you can by at the grocery store or you can get from the water stands around town."

Edward Brininstool, Vice President of the Fresh Water Supply District, says they are looking at all possibilities to reduce the concentration of nitrate in the water.

Brininstool said, "No need to panic.  It would take a long time for it to have a serious effect and we will have a solution soon, one way or the other."