Bayard Issues Do Not Consume Notice

(BAYARD, Neb.) — The City of Bayard has issued a “Do Not Consume” notice for its drinking water after testing found nitrate levels significantly above the state’s health-based threshold.

The city reported a nitrate concentration of 61.6 milligrams per liter, exceeding the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s unreasonable risk to health level of 20 milligrams per liter.

Under the notice, residents are instructed not to use tap water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes or food preparation. Officials specifically warned that infants younger than 6 months, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not consume the water.

The city also advised residents not to boil the water, noting that boiling does not reduce nitrate levels and may increase their concentration as water evaporates.

In response to the warning, the City of Bayard purchased three pallets of bottled water for residents. Distribution was scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Bayard Police Department, 502 Main St., with water available from 4 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.

Residents were limited to one case of bottled water per household, with priority given to children, expectant or nursing mothers and elderly residents.

City officials said additional water may become available and that residents would be kept informed of further distribution.

The city said a sample collected Aug. 27 showed a nitrate level of 6.1 milligrams per liter. Follow-up sampling is underway, and officials said results will be confirmed to ensure the water has returned to a safe level.

The city is working with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to address the elevated nitrate levels and return the water system to compliance. Officials said the expected resolution is “ASAP.”

Nitrate can enter drinking water from natural, industrial or agricultural sources, including septic systems and runoff. Levels can also vary throughout the year.

The city will notify residents when testing confirms nitrate levels have returned below the applicable standard.