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 Reno County press release issued Friday, which said that the last nitrate level test was collected on March 3, 2024. The level tested at 12 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas and Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level 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).
Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said the county is currently in the process of constructing a water pipe from the Yoder well to the City of Hutchinson’s water supply system. The county and city made an agreement to purchase water for the district with the plans to mix the water to dilute the nitrate levels in Yoder’s water.
Partington said the project is looking to go for bidding in the Summer of 2025 and construction in early 2026.
Reno County provides routine notices for acute nitrate violations from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Notices provide Yoder residents education about nitrates in drinking water, and informs residents that bottled water will 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 District will continue the KDHE required quarterly samples and public notifications until the issue is resolved.
Marsha McConnell / March 17, 2025
I’m curious as to what happens with the restaurants in Yoder. Do they serve the water that’s too high in nitrates?
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