DENVER | The city of Burlington has been fined nearly a million dollars for more than 2,100 violations of Colorado drinking water standards.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says the city has been required to notify the public that the city’s drinking water has exceeded the safe drinking water standard for nitrate since March 2014. The majority of violations involve failure to notify the public and the state about the violations.
Health officials say nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants younger than six months, and a potential risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and other people who are taking medications that would make them sensitive.
Much of the nitrate comes from decomposition of plants, animal wastes and fertilizers.
If the households of Burlington are forced to pay the fine; it is $500 per household.