High nitrate levels detected in Hastings water well
A Hastings well is out of service after potentially dangerous levels of nitrate were detected in it.
By News Channel NebraskaHASTINGS, Neb. – A Hastings well is out of service after potentially dangerous levels of nitrate were detected in it.
On May 7, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy tested Hastings Municipal Well 481 (Well 8), at 12th Street and Crane Avenue.
The test showed the well had a nitrate level of 11 milligrams per liter, whereas the maximum contaminant level of accepted nitrate is 10 mg/L.
Hastings Utilities was notified of the test on May 13 and tagged the well out of service that day.
A follow up test on June 10 showed the nitrate level in the well still at 11 mg/L.
City of Hastings wells are tested quarterly. The previous test of Well 8 was taken on April 2, which showed a nitrate level of 8.99 mg/L.
According to city officials, the amount of nitrate in the well is mainly harmful to infants younger than six months, nursing, and pregnant women.
Hastings Utilities Department water system operator Jim Hardy said in a news release that boiling water will not reduce the nitrate level, nor will freezing or letting the water stand. He also said Well 8 was "used sparingly" before the high level reading.
City officials and the NDEE are working to restore the well to competent levels.
As a result of the high nitrate readings, Well 8 will now only be used only in a fire service emergency. It has not been in use since May 13.