San Juan Bautista is warning residents about high levels of nitrate in the water, according to an announcement from the city.
Water samples from April and May showed nitrate levels of 29 to 48 milligrams per liter, above the maximum contaminant level of 45 milligrams per liter. According to the announcement, nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
Nitrates in drinking water can come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources such as septic systems, storm water run-off or fertilizers.
According to the announcement:
The City is monitoring Well No. 2 by conducting nitrate cycle tests on a regular basis to determine the level of nitrates. The seasonal fluctuations of nitrates vary and past fluctuations were between 27 mg/l to 37 mg/l. Recent fluctuations of nitrate levels varied between 42 mg/l to 68 mg/l. Current nitrate cycle tests performed May 1st revealed levels of 20 mg/l to 44 mg/l.
The City has contracted with Besst Inc. to perform a profiling study to determine the nitrate infiltration zones and a solution to seal off the nitrate sources to bring the well back into compliance with the California Department of Public Health Drinking Water standards. The City is also exploring water treatment systems that will remove nitrates from the waters of Well No. 2.
For information, call the City of San Juan Bautista Water Department at (831) 623-4661 or reach it by mail at City of San Juan Bautista, P.O. Box 1420, San Juan Bautista, CA. 95045, Attention: Water Department.
