By Michael Glenn
Nitrate levels have continued to be above allowable limits in Rural Water District 101, which serves the Yoder area.
That’s according to a press release issued by Reno County, which said the last nitrate level test was collected Dec. 4, 2024. The level tested at 10.9 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas and Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems.
The nitrate levels in water resources have fluctuated in many areas which come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off).
Environment and Utilities Superintendent Darcy Basye said the county has a plan to combat the higher nitrate levels.
“We do have a plan in agreement with the City of Hutch to hopefully start next year to blend the City of Hutch water with the Rural District 101 water to get the nitrate below 10,” Bayse said.
The levels have come down in recent tests but have not been below 10mg/L. A Sept. 3, 2024 test saw levels at 11mg/L, with a March 4, 2024, test of 12.5mg/L.
Reno County provides routine notices for acute nitrate violations from KDHE. These notices provide Yoder residents with education about nitrates in drinking water.
Subsequent notices were sent informing residents that bottled water would be provided, upon request, to any household with members at increased risk from the nitrates, such as infants under six months, nursing mothers, pregnant women and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider.
The Rural Water District will continue the KDHE-required quarterly samples and public notifications until the issue is resolved.
