DO NOT DRINK WATER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR NEWINGTON DRINKING WATER SYSTEM

Nitrate was detected at 10.2 mg/l in the Newington Drinking Water System on March 5, 2026, which is above the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for nitrate in drinking water. The MAC for nitrate is 10 milligrams per Litre (mg/L), measured as nitrate-nitrogen.

TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE, THE AT-RISK POPULATION GROUP SHOULD NOT DRINK TAP WATER.

Vulnerable population: Pregnant women, bottle fed infants of less than six months old and babies less than 1 year old.

Boiling water will not remove nitrates. Please do not consume water, even after boiling. Boiling can increase nitrate levels because as water evaporates during boiling, the concentration of nitrates in the remaining water increases.

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, PLEASE FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE BELOW:

Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water are particularly dangerous for bottle-fed infants under six months old. Babies in this age group cannot properly break down nitrates, which can lead to a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, commonly referred to as blue-baby syndrome. In this condition, nitrates convert into nitrites in the baby’s body, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of their blood. This can cause the baby’s skin to turn blue and may require urgent medical attention.

If nitrate levels in drinking water exceed 10 mg/L, it is recommended to use an alternative water supply for infants up to one year of age to prepare baby formula and food or to use ready-to-use formula. Breastmilk is not affected by nitrates and remains safe for infants.

Contact your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms.

This DO NOT DRINK WATER ADVISORY for the at-risk population group will remain in effect until further notice.

For more information, contact: The Eastern Ontario Health Unit at 613-933-1375 or at 1-800-267-7120.

Drinking Water Available

The Township of South Stormont will be providing drinking water to those connected to municipal water in Newington. Drinking water will be dropped off for each residence today, March 5, 2026. As residents require more drinking water until the Do Not Drink order is lifted, they are asked to call the Township office during business hours at 613-534-8889 to request additional water be delivered to their door.