KINGMAN -- The City of Kingman is advising all residents to not give tap water to infants under 6 months old after high nitrate levels were detected in the water supply.

MGN Online

City officials released a statement saying that on Feb. 1st of 2008 water samples showed nitrate levels of 18.2mg/l, which is abovet the standard or maximum contaminant level of 10mg/l. A confirmation sample taken on Feb. 4th, 2008 showed nitrate levels of 4.5mg/l, which has been the average over the past 10 years. Hi nitrate levels can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources.

The press release says infants are at high risk of becoming ill if they drink water with high nitrate levels. Symptoms include shortness of breathe and 'blue baby' syndrome. Without treatment the illness could lead to death. Water, juice, and formula for infants should not be prepared with tap water. Use bottled water or water with low nitrate levels. Do not boil or filter the water, since these methods do not affect the nitrate level. In fact, boiling could make nitrate levels higher.

The city release also says adults and children older than 6 months can drink the tap water, but pregnant women or those with specific health concerns may want to consult a dooctor first.

The City of Kingman says the well that was found contaminated serves the downtown area and has been shut down. They will flush the well and continue to check the niutrate levels until they return to acceptable levels.

The city expects the problem to only last a few days.