How OhioHealth is keeping patients and visitors safe as water nitrate levels remain elevated

The nitrate advisory from the Columbus Division of is still in effect. Infants below the age of six months, pregnant women and breastfeeding women are advised not to drink tap water. Additionally, tap water should not be used to make infant formula, juice or baby cereal. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice from the Columbus Division of Water.

Boiling water is NOT AN OPTION as it increases the nitrate levels in tap water. OhioHealth is providing bottled water to our patients in areas who fall within the impacted groups such as our Mother/Infant units.

Only infants under six months, pregnant women at or near week 30 of pregnancy, or individuals with hypochlorhydria or hemoglobin M disease should not drink tap water.

Healthy adults and older children can consume higher levels of nitrate because they have fully developed digestive systems. Nitrate is commonly consumed by older children and adults as it is contained in many foods such as processed meats and lettuce.

The affected areas for this alert include portions of west, central, and southwest Columbus, as well as Grandview Heights, Grove City, Hilliard, Lincoln Village, Marble Cliff, Upper Arlington, Urbancrest, and Valleyview.

Two OhioHealth hospitals, Grant Medical Center and Doctors Hospital, are located in the affected area.  The safety of our patients and visitors is top of mind.  Recently, 10TV and ABC6 visited Grant to learn what we are doing to keep patients safe.  Their stories may be viewed at:

ABC6: https://youtu.be/ixGSU4GC3pw

10TV: https://youtu.be/hEzCyIp48rc

Nitrate is only a concern for those at risk if ingested by eating or drinking. It is not absorbed through the skin.

The Division of Water will continue to monitor the water supply on a regular basis, provide updates on nitrate levels, and will notify us when the advisory may be lifted.