Drinking Water Advisories Retracted for Buffalo, Frankville
Posted: April 17, 2008

DES MOINES — The DNR is retracting two drinking water advisories issued Wednesday for Buffalo in Scott County and The Old Store in Winneshiek County.

A data transmission error showed incorrect test results for the City of Buffalo’s drinking water supply. The incorrect results indicated that the water had exceeded the maximum contaminant level for nitrate of 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Actual test results indicate the water is safe to drink, with nitrate levels of less than 0.1 mg/L.

The Old Store, located in Frankville, samples both its untreated drinking water and drinking water after it is treated for nitrate. The store’s owner incorrectly labeled a water sample of the untreated water as being taken from treated water. The DNR is working with the owner to ensure all water samples are correctly labeled in the future.

The drinking water at The Old Store is safe. The store samples its treated water monthly, with the last sample at 5 mg/L of nitrate.

High levels of nitrate in drinking water are a serious health concern for infants, but not for children older than six months and adults, because they process nitrate differently.

MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Wyer (Buffalo) at (515) 725-0339 or Bill.Wyer@dnr.iowa.gov; Mike Wade (The Old Store) at (563) 927-2640 or Mike.Wade@dnr.iowa.gov.

Drinking Water Advisories Issued in Buffalo, Frankville for Nitrate
Posted: April 16, 2008

DES MOINES — The DNR is advising residents of Buffalo in Scott County and customers of The Old Store in Winneshiek County that infants under six months old should not drink the water. It should not be used to prepare infant formula or juices.

The DNR issued the warnings after routine tests showed elevated nitrate levels in both drinking water supplies.

Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants, but children older than six months and adults can drink the tap water, because they process the nitrate differently. Pregnant women and people with health problems may want to contact their doctors before drinking the water.

The water should not be boiled, since boiling leaves nitrate behind as the water evaporates. Freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level.

The nitrate is formed when bacteria in the water distribution system convert ammonia in the water supply to nitrate.

The DNR will notify residents in Buffalo and customers of The Old Store in Frankville when the advisory is lifted.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cecilia Naughton, DNR Environmental Specialist, (515) 725-0289 or Cecilia.Naughton@dnr.iowa.gov; or Marie Leat, DNR Environmental Specialist, (515) 725-0358 or Marie.Leat@dnr.iowa.gov