Slater, Iowa — The City of Slater announced Thursday that the drinking‑water advisory issued last week has been lifted. The advisory had warned pregnant women and infants under six months to avoid tap water after testing revealed nitrite concentrations above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) limit of one milligram per liter.
New test results show compliance
City officials said the most recent water sample, collected on Monday, measured nitrite at 0.6 milligrams per liter, comfortably under the federal standard. “We are pleased to report that our water is safe for all residents, including our most vulnerable populations,” said Slater Public Works Director Mark Jensen. “The city’s water treatment team acted quickly to address the elevated levels and has now restored confidence in our supply.”
Why nitrite matters
Nitrite is a by‑product of agricultural runoff and can be harmful in high concentrations, especially to unborn children and young infants. The EPA’s limit is designed to protect these groups from potential health effects such as reduced oxygen delivery in the blood.
City response and next steps
The city’s water department increased monitoring frequency after the initial warning, conducting daily tests for a week before returning to its standard weekly schedule. Residents were notified through local radio, the city website, and door‑to‑door flyers. The department also distributed bottled water to affected households while the issue was being resolved.
Mayor Laura Whitaker praised the rapid response, noting that the city’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health. “Our community’s safety is always the top priority,” Whitaker said. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure and testing to ensure clean water for every family in Slater.”
What residents should know
While the advisory is now lifted, officials encourage residents to stay informed about water quality updates. The city will post future test results on its website and will issue alerts if any concerns arise. Residents can also request a free water‑quality report from the public works office.
For more information, contact the Slater Public Works Department at (641) 555‑0123 or visit www.slateriowa.gov/water.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
