Residents of Newman have been notified about a drinking water warning issued by the State of California after recent tests showed elevated nitrate levels in one of the city's wells.
The letter from Thomas Spankowski, the Director of Public Works, detailed the situation and assured residents that their health had not been at risk during the period of elevated levels.
According to the letter, a sample taken from Well 5 on Jan. 8, showed a nitrate level of 10.5 mg/L, which exceeds the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L set by the state. A follow-up sample on Jan. 14, confirmed the high level with a result of 10.7 mg/L. This was a significant increase from the previous quarterly sample taken on Oct. 9, 2024, which showed a level of 8.43 mg/L, well below the MCL.
Nitrates are a naturally occurring nitrogen oxide found at a relatively low concentration in soil and water. It’s a necessary component of living things and essential for plant growth. That is why nitrates are widely used in agriculture as a fertilizer to enhance the growth of plants. As a result, during certain weather conditions like heavy rains and snow, the fertilizer can run off into streams and rivers or percolate down into groundwater.
In California, nitrates are one of the most common groundwater contaminants. While 98 percent of the state’s community water systems meet all primary drinking water standards, some public wells (ongoing or intermittent) exceed the state’s nitrate standards. Wells with nitrates regularly above the MCL must be treated or blended with higher-quality water. The City of Newman is 100% reliant on groundwater wells, located throughout town, to provide the water supply.
Well 5, which is used as a backup well to supplement demand, contributed less than 2% of the total water supplied to the distribution system during the period between Oct. 9, 2024, and Jan. 14. The letter stated that, based on this information, the city believes that no one's health was put at risk during this period. Additionally, any potential residual of elevated nitrate levels over the MCL in the distribution system has been cleared.
The City of Newman Water Department performs regular sampling of the water supply and distribution system, which is how the nitrates were detected. The frequency of sampling depends on the contaminant itself, as well as previously recorded results.
Nitrate levels were initially discovered in Well 5, located in the northernmost part of the city limits. Follow-up testing provided one sample slightly above the limit (10.7 mg/L). All other wells in the distribution system remain in compliance.
Infants under six months of age are most susceptible to nitrates/nitrites. During the early stages of development, nitrate in the body transforms into nitrite, which reacts with hemoglobin (the oxygen carrier in the blood) and prevents oxygen transport. This results in a decreased oxygen supply to the body, termed methemoglobinemia (more often called “blue baby syndrome”). It gets this name because the skin often turns blue or grayish, especially around the mouth. If these symptoms are noticed, seek medical attention immediately. Adults are at low risk of this syndrome. Adults with chronic health problems, such as heart or lung disease or enzyme deficiencies, may be at higher risk from elevated nitrate/nitrite levels. Pregnant and nursing mothers should also avoid drinking water high in nitrates/nitrites because of the potential effects passed on to the fetus or infant.
The City said water can still be used for showering, bathing, washing dishes, cleaning clothes, and more. In addition, any potential residual of elevated nitrate levels over the MCL in the distribution system has been cleared.
Nitrates occur naturally and can happen within agricultural applications; these are beyond the City’s control. There is no way to pinpoint how these nitrates move once they enter the soil, much less how they interact with a well pulling from three hundred feet below ground. The State of California requires the City of Newman to sample for nitrates and many other contaminants regularly.
In response to the elevated nitrate levels, Well 5 has been removed from service while the City of Newman investigates compliance solutions. All other wells in the distribution system remain in compliance with state regulations.
Residents are advised to refer to the state-mandated notice for more information and secondary notification requirements. If they have any questions, they can contact the Public Works Department at 209-862-3725 (Option #3) or publicworksdepartment@cityofnewman.gov.
