High nitrate levels shut water wells in Hemet
Residents of Hemet are being warned not to give tap water to infants or pregnant women because of high nitrate levels found in city wells.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports the city temporarily shut down two of its six water wells on Wednesday after tests showed nitrate levels of 47 milligrams per liter. That’s slightly above the state’s maximum of 45 milligrams per liter.
Nitrates can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to body tissues.
Hemet Public Works Director Kris Jensen says the wells have been flushed and the water already retested.
She says nitrates dissipate quickly and it’s unlikely any of the tainted water made it to customers.
The state health department will determine when the wells can be reactivated.
