Drinking Water Warning Officially Cancelled, City Of Wayne Has Acceptable Levels Of Nitrate

WAYNE – A third release was sent out Tuesday evening regarding the drinking water in Wayne.

The City of Wayne is no longer in violation of the established nitrate water standard.

In accordance with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Regulations Governing Public Water Supply Systems, the consumers of the City Of Wayne public water supply system are hereby notified that the system is no longer in violation of the established nitrate drinking water standard of 10 milligrams per liter. The source of the violation is not in use.

On November 26 a sample from one of the older wells was taken and on December 4, a “Notice to the City of Wayne” was issued with high nitrate readings due to miscommunication as State Officials were requesting a sample of drinking water from the point of entry. The same day a new test was sent in and the nitrate level was back within the drinking limit.

For questions, contact Wes Blecke, city administrator at 402-375-1733 or Jeff Brady, water supervisor at 402-375-5250.

 

A message from Mayor of Wayne, Cale Giese:

We at the city wanted to take a moment to brief you on the process that has taken place for roughly the past month regarding our drinking water. Many citizens have expressed concern over the timeline of events, so we wanted to share with you what this looked like from our end.

Nov 13th – We conducted regular testing of our well sites. These tests include our older wells we know are high in nitrates but are blended with other wells to safe drinking levels.

Nov 26th – A miscommunication occurred with the state regarding the source of where a second test was to be taken- well site vs “point of entry” (drinking water). City officials “mistakenly” sent a second test in from the well site.

Dec 3rd – The city received notice of the results of the second test scoring high nitrates. City officials tried to sort out the testing miscommunication and argued whether or not a public notice must be issued.

Dec 4th – Mistake or not the state said we must initiate warning protocol. The city issued the public notice. We took another test at the point of entry (our drinking water), drove it to Lincoln, and received lab results of safe drinking water. These results were not official until approved by the state.

Dec 6th – The state confirmed the test results over the phone, but would not let us cancel the warning.

December 10th – The city received notice via certified mail from the state confirming the test results (the aforementioned Dec 3rd email in printed form). The city confirms final steps for lifting the warning.

December 11th – The warning is lifted.

Once again, at no point in time was any water that was high in nitrates available to the public. Our water experts here at the city were frustrated by the miscommunication and the subsequent protocols that were initiated by the state, but we must remember that those protocols are in place to ensure the safety of our citizens – which is our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns about this notice, please contact Jeff Brady, Water Supervisor, at (402) 375-5250 or (402) 375-9129; or Wes Blecke, City Administrator, at (402) 375-1733.

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