MABTON, Wash.-Residents are invited to a water distribution event at the Mabton Food Bank at 522 S. Main St. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
The Mabton Police Department advised residents of the water distribution via social media.
The Yakima Health District, state Department of Health and Ecology are making bottled water available to communities whose wells test high for nitrates.
According to the Friends of Toppenish Creek, an organization dedicated to improving oversight of industrial agriculture through public education, citizen investigations, research, legislation, special events, and direct action, Mabton’s water quality issues stem from seven large concentrated animal feeding operations in the area.
Mabton began addressing drinking water problems in 2006 when nitrate levels in a municipal well tested high for nitrates. According to census data in 2011 nitrate levels tested at levels two times higher than safe drinking water standards.
The Washington State Department of Ecology is working to reduce nitrate contamination in groundwater throughout the Yakima Valley.
According to the Department of Ecology, efforts are underway to reduce sources of nitrates, improve the aquifer so it meets drinking water standards and educate residents about the problem and how they can protect themselves.
