Gleason Public Library water has high levels of nitrate
DO NOT GIVE THE WATER
TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD.
DO NOT USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA.
Water sample results received on 4/28/2026 and 4/30/2026 showed nitrate levels of 12.5mg/L and 12.0mg/L respectively. The average of the initial and confirmatory result is above the nitrate standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.
What should I do? What does this mean?
- DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
- Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
- DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
- Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can not process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
What happened? What is being done?
Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year. We will let you know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.
All appropriate corrective actions are being taken to address the elevated nitrate levels, and bottled water is being provided in the meantime on the 1st floor near the restrooms. The system is working with MassDEP and Small Water Systems Services, LLC to investigate the cause and evaluate treatment conditions. Additional corrective measures will be implemented as needed, and the public will be notified when sampling confirms the water meets applicable drinking water standards. Coordination with these partners will continue until the issue is resolved, and updates will be provided as they become available.
For more information, please contact Nicholas Shea at 978-486-1008 or 80 Taylor Street, Littleton MA.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Gleason Public Library PWS ID#: 3051018 Date distributed: 5/4/2026