U.S. Water News Online
PUTNAM LAKE, N.Y. -- Drinking water from several wells around the community of Putnam Lake has shown dangerous levels of nitrate and the Putnam County Health Department is warning residents not to give it to babies in any form.
The chemical can sicken or even kill children under 6 months old and they should not be given the water straight, in formula or in juice until homeowners test their well water, the department said.
In a four-page letter, the department says the chemical is leaching into wells from poorly constructed or poorly maintained septic systems.
Originally a rural summer community when it was settled in the 1930s, Putnam Lake's former summer homes on small lots now function as year-round homes. Many of the septic systems and wells predate current regulations requiring at least 100 feet between the two.
Michael Budzinski, the department's director of engineering, said 50 wells at homes, businesses and other establishments were tested after a few routine samples showed high nitrate levels. The allowable federal standard for nitrate in drinking water is 10 parts per million and a third of the tests came back higher, he said.
Individuals older than 6 months can excrete extra nitrate. But infants don't have this ability. Symptoms include blue skin and shortness of breath. If left untreated, the condition can result in death.
The chemical, which can also come from fertilizer or animal waste, isn't removed in boiling, freezing, filtering or letting the water stand.
Budzinski said the Putnam Health Department contacted the neighboring town of New Fairfield, Conn., which includes Ball Pond, another one-time summer lake community next to Putnam Lake.
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