Fremont ends water alert for some women, babies

6/27/2007

FREMONT It s now OK for pregnant or nursing women as well as infants under 6 months old to drink the water in Fremont.

Water treatment plant officials lifted a nitrate advisory warning yesterday in light of recent tests that showed nitrate levels at 4.7 milligrams per liter, which is below the maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter, said Stephen Lamale, the treatment plant s assistant superintendent.

The warning was issued June 14, when results from water samples showed nitrate levels of 13.2 milligrams per liter.

Though the warning has been lifted, Mr. Lamale said officials will continue to test the water weekly.

Nitrates come from chemical runoff from farms. They can pose health problems for infants or nursing mothers, but are not a general health concern for adults and children older than 6 months. Officials said nitrate levels usually spike during spring and summer because rain increases runoff from farms.