ILLINOIS — Parents in several Illinois communities are being urged to avoid giving tap water to infants after dangerously high nitrate levels were detected in the regional water supply. The warning applies to babies under 6 months old and was issued by Aqua Illinois, the water provider serving the area.
The contamination is believed to be caused by heavy spring rains and agricultural runoff entering the Kankakee River, which supplies drinking water to tens of thousands of residents.
“Do not boil the water — it will only concentrate the nitrate levels,” Aqua Illinois said in a statement shared via Country Herald.
Communities Affected
The impacted water system serves customers in:
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Kankakee
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Bourbonnais
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Bradley
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Aroma Park
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Manteno
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Peotone
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University Park
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Surrounding areas in Kankakee and Will counties
Authorities emphasized that only infants and vulnerable populations should avoid the water for now. For adults and older children, there is no immediate danger unless a physician advises otherwise.
Why Nitrates Are Dangerous For Babies
High nitrate levels can interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen, especially in newborns. This can lead to methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome,” which can be fatal if untreated.
Symptoms to watch for include:
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Unusual bluish skin tone
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Lethargy or poor feeding
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Shortness of breath
Safe Drinking Water Distribution
To assist families, Aqua Illinois is distributing bottled water daily from 12 PM to 7 PM at three locations:
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1000 S. Schuyler Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901
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1737 E. Amberstone Rd., Manteno, IL 60950
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24650 S. Western Ave., University Park, IL 60484
Families with infants or pregnant individuals are encouraged to only use bottled water for drinking, mixing formula, or preparing baby food.
Are you currently affected by this advisory?
How are you managing access to clean water for your family?
Share your experience or concerns now at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
