Dixon, Iowa-The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) still has in effect an advisory for Dixon residents not to use the municipal water for infants because of high nitrate levels found during routine drinking water testing early last month. In the meantime, DNR reports that the source is still undetermined, but may be from industry, agriculture, or septic systems. Dixon is being required to connect to an existing public water supply or to submit a preliminary engineering report by June 30 looking at alternate water sources, evaluating treatment technologies for nitrate removal, providing a cost analysis of implementing the alternate sources or treatment technologies, and outlining a schedule for implementing the course of action. In addition, the system is required to conduct a viability self-assessment and submit the completed self-assessment to DNR for review by June 30. Paul Brandt in the DNR field office said there will be another meeting with city officials soon. Water samples showed nitrate levels of 13 milligrams per liter, higher than the level of 10 milligrams per liter that is considered safe for infants to drink. Dixon, which has about 300 residents, is near Davenport in Scott County.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain