SUNNYSIDE, Wash.- The Yakima Health District is working to educate residents of the Lower Yakima Valley about nitrate contamination and groundwater safety. YHD shared the results of a survey on Thursday night, finding many residents need to learn about the contaminants.
The Health District held focus groups of 10 community members to gather preliminary information. The results found three big takeaways:
Many had limited knowledge of nitrate. One focus group member was quoted as saying “Yeah, I didn’t even know what a nitrate was.”Very few knew how where to get their wells tested or the costs of testing.Focus group members did not know who to contact, or if there was anyone to contact, for help in the process.
YHD plans to use the results of the survey to create material that can educate residents with water wells.
“With the results that we were able to see and the data and the knowledge we were able to gather with those, that’s gonna help us to create all those materials and outreach that we can help to give individuals on nitrate contamination as well as testing,” says Stephanie Ruiz with YHD.
Information pamphlets were available, teaching the basics of nitrate. The contaminant occurs naturally from fertilizers, manure, human waste and just about anything that can be put on the ground.
Through rainwater or irrigation, the nitrate flows from the surface into the groundwater and should be tested once a year at the least.
Consuming water with high levels of nitrate can make it harder for blood to transfer oxygen can cause blue baby syndrome for infants drinking the water.
“If we’re gonna manage this, if we’re gonna try to clean up ground water, we have to tackle this with a holistic approach,” says Melanie Redding with the Department of Ecology. “We have to look at all the sources and how everyone can do better.”
YHD will be offering testing in January and homes can sign up by calling 509-249-6508.
Other options include Cascade Analytical, Valley Environmental Laboratory or Ag Health Laboratories.
