Effective as of January 26, 2012 the City of Storm Lake water supply has an active advisory for high levels of Nitrites in a limited area of the Storm Lake water system. 

The limited area is located around East 4th Street and Vilas Road affecting about 12-20 localized businesses in this area.

Levels of nitrites taken in testing on January 24, 2012 showed levels up to 1.16mg/L which is above the standard allowable numbers of 1.0 mg/L.

City of Storm Lake staff along with crews from Veolia Water are working on flushing the system to resolve the issues in the target area and continue testing in these areas along with other areas of the Storm Lake water supply to ensure that these elevated levels are limited to this area only.

Updates on the Current Advisory Notices are provided below:

January 26, 2012 - 7:00AM
The City of Storm Lake continues flushing and testing for Nitrite levels in the affected area and in other locations throughout the water system.

January 27, 2012 - 1:30PM UPDATE
Flushing of the system continues to take place along with testing of the system at various points including within the identified area as well as other locations in the system.  Test results still indicate the problem is isolated to the identified around around Vilas Street.  A certified lab test result taken on January 25th was returned late yesterday to show that the levels of Nitrites were below the maximum allowable levels at 0.9 but still in the upper limits of the safe range.

We will continue to flush and perform testing.  Further updates will be posted here as they become available.

Nitrites can be harmfull to infants below the age of six (6) months who drink water from a supply higher than the maximum allowable numbers.  Some infants may become seriously ill and if untreated, may die.  Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.

Blue Baby Syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. 

Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days.  If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Do not use water for mixing formula for children under six (6) months of age, use bottled water low in nitrites until the situation is resolved.

Do not boil water containing high nitrites.  Boiling, freezing or letting water stand will NOT reduce the nitrite level.  Excessive boiling can make nitrites more concentrated.

Adults and children older than six months can drink tap water (nitrites are a concern for infants six months and younger because they can't process nitrites in the same way adults can). 

If you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

Nitrites are formed by the conversion of naturall occuring ammonia to nitrite in the distribution system.  Levels generally vary throughout the year depending on a variety of reasons. 

For more information visit the following web pages:

EPA Basic Information On Nitrites

Vermont Department of Public Health Page on Nitrites