What should be done if a nonmunicipal community water system reports high nitrate levels?

When a nonmunicipal community water system reports high nitrate levels, conducting immediate treatment is crucial for ensuring the safety of the water supply. Elevated nitrate levels can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and pregnant women, as it can lead to methemoglobinemia, commonly known as "blue baby syndrome." This condition impairs the blood's ability to carry oxygen, leading to serious health complications.

Immediate treatment is necessary to mitigate the risk posed by the high nitrate concentration. This could involve various methods, such as ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or blending water sources, depending on the specific situation. Taking prompt action helps protect the health of the community reliant on the water system.

Issuing a boil-water advisory might be a common response to microbiological contamination, but it is not appropriate for non-pathogenic contaminants like nitrates. While informing local health authorities is an important step in managing the situation and coordinating a response, it does not directly address the immediate need to treat the water to make it safe for consumption. Continuing normal operations would be irresponsible given the health risks associated with untreated high nitrate levels.