The city of Belle Plaine is warning residents to be careful with the drinking water. A recent sample found levels of nitrates above federal standards.
The water is safe to drink for adults and children over six months of age, but it should not be given to infants because they cannot process nitrates in the same way that adults can. Pregnant women and people with chronic health issues should talk to their doctor.
The city said in a press release that boiling the water will not reduce the nitrate level, and excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated.
More testing is planned to determine if there is a problem with the water system. The results should be known within the next 30 days.
Nitrate can come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources, including septic systems and run-off.
