Nitrates in the Water Supply

     Nitrates are a normal in the water and in some foods. High levels in the tap water occur when Spring rains cause the fertilizer to run off into the water supply. Infants, especially very young infants less than 4 months of age, are at risk to develop a startling blue-ish color to their skin. The AAP (national organization of pediatricians) does NOT recommend worrying about breast fed infants receiving nitrates thru breast milk as it is essentially unheard of for moms to have any significant levels pass into the breast milk. However, for anyone less than 12 months of age, until the alert passes, anyone less than 12 months of age should be given bottled water. Methemoglobin causes an infant to turn blue. And this is not likely at all. We have never seen a case at Hilliard Pediatrics even though these alerts happen every couple years. However, if your child turns blue, take them to the Nationwde Children's Hospital emergency room immediately.
     Although the Dublin Road Water Plant reached an advisory level last week (about June 30th, 2016), the advisory has been lifted now -- as of July 6th, 2016. Here is the initial article about it in the dispatch. And here is the follow-up article about the level being lifted.