GRASS VALLEY/WINNEMUCCA — The following notice is being distributed to the Gold Country Estates water users:

Gold Country Estates water has high levels of nitrate.  DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA.

Water sample results received December 23, 2011 showed nitrate levels of 11 ppm. This is above the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 parts per million (ppm). Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than 6 months old.

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.

What should I do?

• 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't 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 is being done?
The well that exceeded the nitrate MCL is now off-line and the system will be flushed to dilute nitrate values. A different well is being used to provide water that is below the MCL for nitrate.  As required by the Nevada Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, a repeat sample will be taken December 23rd to verify the lower value. If the value is below the MCL, the State will rescind the public notice and a recorded message stating this fact will be available by calling 800-706-6531 after 5;00 pm on December 24th. For residents with children 6 months of age and under, bottled water will be temporarily provided to you by calling Kirk Peterson at 775-240-6776.

For more information, please contact Gold Country Estates at 800-706-6531 or 430 Stoker Ave. Ste. 207, Reno, NV 89503

Please share this information with all 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 gold Country Estates, State Water System ID#: HU-3079-12C.  Date distributed: December 24, 2011.