A water warning has been issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for residents of the Village of Steele City. Parents are advised that Infants who are six months or younger, nursing mothers, and pregnant women should not consume Village of Steele City water until further analyses indicate that nitrate levels throughout the system do not exceed 10 mg/l. The water should not be used to make anything to drink for the infants, including juice or formula. While some water conditions can be eliminated by boiling water, parents are being warned not to boil the water. Boiling, freezing, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Instead it can make nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.Children who are exposed to high nitrates could become seriously ill and die if their sickness goes untreated. Shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome are symptoms of drinking water with high nitrate levels. Pregnant woman who drink the high nitrate tap water are told to consult with a doctor.
Please contact the Village of Steele City for information regarding alternate water sources.
