Infants under the age of 6 months should not consume city water
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FREMONT -- The City of Fremont is warning residents to avoid giving water to infants under the age of six months.
The city released a statement Thursday notifying residents that the city's water contains abnormally high levels of nitrate. The city is in violation of the Ohio Administrative Code which requires drinking water contain a level of no more than 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter. Current nitrate levels in the city's water are at 11.1 milligrams per liter.
Nitrates are not easily processed in infants; therefore, tap water should not be given to children under the age of six months or be used in preparing formula. Infants could become seriously ill if city water is ingested at this time. Symptoms may include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome, which is characterized by a blueness of the skin.
If your child has ingested city water or if symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Adults and children older than six months of age can drink tap water; however, women who are nursing or pregnant, or anyone with specific health problems, are urged to consult a physician before consuming the water.
Boiling or filtering water will not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make nitrates more concentrated since they remain when water evaporates.
The city says it is investigating how nitrates became so pronounced in drinking water. Necessary steps needed to correct the problem are being taken.
The City of Fremont Water Treatment Plant will monitor the water levels and notify residents when nitrate levels drop.
