Alternative Drinking Water Program

The Benton-Franklin Health District received funding from the Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water (ODW) Alternative Water Fund to address a critical public health issue. Through this project, the Health District is providing free nitrate drinking water tests and water treatment devices to vulnerable populations. The goal is to ensure that those most at risk from the health effects of nitrate exposure—especially infants and pregnant mothers—have reliable access to safe drinking water.  WIC (Women, Infants and Children) OR NFP (Nurse-Family Partnership) programs. 

When will this program be available? Funding is available after February 1, 2024, for BFHD clients who are enrolled in eligible programs or who have tested at the Benton-Franklin Health District Water Lab and have received a nitrate result of 10 mg/L or higher.

Who this program reaches: 2025-26 Eligible Programs List:
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
NFP (Nurse-Family Partnership)
Case Management
Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels
Aging & Long Term Care

Why we are offering this program: We requested funds for this new program because here in the Columbia Basin, high nitrates are the most common contaminant of our groundwater. Consuming too much nitrate can affect how blood carries oxygen and can cause methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome). Bottle-fed babies under six months old are at the highest risk of getting methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia can cause the skin to turn a bluish color and, if left untreated, can result in serious illness or death. While methemoglobinemia in infants may be less common today, it has not disappeared and remains an important public health concern. Pregnant individuals are at an increased risk for methemoglobinemia because pregnancy increases the oxygen demand of the body. Some studies have found an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects from drinking water contaminated with nitrates. Do not drink water with nitrate levels above 10 mg/L if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

The objective of this project is to ensure that those most susceptible to the health effects of nitrates, primarily infants and pregnant mothers, have access to safe drinking water. Visit Nitrate in drinking water for more information. Visit our drinking water testing page

How?
Check your eligibility. Contact your program coordinator or call 509-460-4256 to see if you are eligible. 

Have your water tested for nitrate.
1. How to sample drinking water for nitrate test?
2. When can you bring water in for testing?  Visit our Water Lab page and reference our hours below, OR contact your eligible program for directions on submitting a sample. 
3. Please call 509-460-4205 for availability and for submitting samples outside of the recommended hours. 
4. How to interpret the test result? 

The drinking water quality standard for nitrate (measured as nitrogen) is 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Water with more than 10 mg/L of nitrate is considered a hazard for drinking, especially for infants and pregnant women. 

If your water has a nitrate level at or exceeding 10.0 mg/L, you are eligible for alternative water assistance from our program. You will be offered a free countertop reverse osmosis unit for your home. This will help you access water with a safe nitrate level for drinking. 

If your water has a nitrate level between 5.0-7.99 mg/L, your water is safe for drinking. However, we will offer a follow-up free test every 3-6 months to help you monitor nitrate levels in your water and ensure it remains at a safe level for drinking. 

If your water has a nitrate level lower than 5.0 mg/L, congratulations! Your water has a safe nitrate level for drinking. 

D. Obtain alternative water. 

1. Countertop RO filter 

2. Bottled water. 

E. Follow-up