Kankakee, IL — A surge in nitrate contamination has sparked a drinking water advisory across multiple Kankakee County communities this week, with recent rainfall and fertilizer runoff identified as the primary cause.
According to utility company Aqua Illinois, water samples collected Saturday in Kankakee revealed nitrate levels of 11.9 milligrams per liter—above the federal maximum of 10 mg/L. The utility attributed the spike to agricultural fertilizer washing into the Kankakee River following heavy rains.
“Recent heavy rains caused fertilizer from fields to runoff, resulting in unprecedented levels of nitrates,” the utility stated in a public alert. Nitrate contamination is particularly dangerous for infants under six months old, posing a risk of blue baby syndrome—a potentially fatal condition that restricts oxygen flow in the blood.
Officials warn that common purification methods such as boiling, filtering, or freezing will not remove nitrates from tap water and, in some cases, may make the problem worse. “Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated,” the alert noted.
As a result, parents are being urged not to use tap water when preparing formula, juice, or food for infants under six months. Bottled water is being distributed at designated locations in Kankakee, Manteno, and University Park from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
University Park Mayor Joseph Roudez III voiced frustration over the recurring water issues, stating, “We don’t have to suffer every time there’s an excessive amount of rain… Aqua has not been a good steward.”
Aqua Illinois President David Carter said the company is monitoring river conditions and nitrate levels closely. There is currently no timeline for when the advisory will be lifted.
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