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Aqua Illinois Tap Water Alert for Infants Persists After Nitrate Spike

Nitrate levels rose above the federal standard following heavy rains fueled by fertilizer runoff.

Box of brown eggs in hand on white background isolation
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Aqua Illinois President David Carter listens to concerns voiced Aug. 1, 2024, during public comment at an Illinois Commerce Commission public forum at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. (Andrew Adams/Capitol News Illinois)
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Overview

  • The alert issued on June 7 remains active as of June 9 in Kankakee, Peotone, University Park and parts of Crete, Green Garden and Monee townships.
  • Recent tests recorded nitrate levels of 11.9 milligrams per liter at the Kankakee Water Treatment Plant, exceeding the federal limit of 10 milligrams per liter.
  • Infants under six months should avoid tap water for drinking or formula because elevated nitrates can cause potentially fatal blue baby syndrome.
  • Boiling tap water is ineffective for nitrate removal and may actually increase concentrations, making bottled water the recommended alternative.
  • Bottled water distribution continues daily from noon to 7 p.m. at designated sites and Aqua Illinois will lift the alert once further testing confirms safe levels.