HILLCREST — Village of Hillcrest officials are in the process of notifying residents of a drinking water alert due to high levels of nitrate in the water system.

Residents are advised to NOT give the water to infants under six months of age or use it to make infant formula until further notice.

The water samples showed nitrate levels of 12.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L.), which is above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.

Village president Steve Dodson said currently one of the village’s wells is down for maintenance, leaving the remaining well to supply water.

“Right now, part of it is well #2 down getting maintenance. We are hoping to get that online in a couple of weeks,” Dodson said.

Dodson said notices are expected to be mailed Friday to residents, which also explains that under normal circumstances both wells provide water to the village, and the water is blended.

“Past nitrate samples, which are taken quarterly each year, have not exceeded the MCL. We expect the level of nitrate in the drinking water should test below the MCL once Well #2 is placed back into service and the water from both wells will once again be blended,” reads the notice in part.

The notice indicates "boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. 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)."

Dodson will be providing an update at the monthly village board meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Village Hall.

For more information, residents should contact Patty Moreno, Village Clerk/Treasurer at 815-562-7770 or Village Hall, 204 Hillcrest Avenue.