ADEQ DRINKING WATER WARNING

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) learned today that drinking water test results of Johnson Utilities water exceeded the federal drinking water standard for nitrate. Because Johnson Utilities has not contacted ADEQ or responded to our inquiries, ADEQ is not able to verify whether Johnson Utilities has completed the required notification to its customers about this important water quality concern.

DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS OLD OR USE IT TO MAKE INFANT FORMULA

Water sample results collected 10/27/2016 and 11/21/2016 showed nitrate levels of 12 mg/L and 11.4 mg/L, respectively. This is above the nitrate standard, or maximum contaminant level (MCL), of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.

Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year.

What should I do? What does this mean?

  • DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.
  • DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.
  • 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). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

What is being done?

ADEQ is unable to determine what corrective action Johnson Utilities may be performing at this time and is continuing attempts to contact the company to determine what actions they have taken.

ADEQ urges Johnson Utilities’ customers who have questions to contact the company directly: Katherine Nierva, Johnson Utilities, 480-998-3300

Please share this information with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Nighttime restrictions set to begin on State Route 89A at Midgley Bridge

SEDONA — Motorists traveling on State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff during evening hours should allow for extra travel time beginning Monday, December 5, as ADOT crews install fencing at Midgley Bridge located about two miles north of the city of Sedona.

Work to install fencing will involve overnight lane closures and alternating traffic over the bridge at milepost 376. The restriction will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sundays through Fridays through Friday, December 23. If necessary, work will resume on Monday, December 26, and continue until complete.

The 10-foot-tall chain-link fencing attaches to the bridge’s railings. ADOT is installing the fencing in partnership with Sedona, the U.S. Forest Service and Coconino County to enhance public safety at the historic bridge over Oak Creek.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

City Council to swear in for new term

williams-city-logoWILLIAMS — The Council Meeting will be held this Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at City Hall on First Street. They will begin with a canvass of votes from the general election held November 8, 2016, and approve Resolution No. 1338 adopting the results. After approval of the Resolution, they will adjourn to swear in the Mayor and council members for the new term. A Vice-Mayor will be appointed along with a representative for the Theme Park Tax District.

The council will continue with public participation followed by considering the following items:

  1. Council may adopt Resolution No.1339 prescribing of revised standards of financial disclosure for local elected officials effective January 1, 2017.
  2. Discussion and decision on waiver of fees for Habitat for Humanity.
  3. Williams’ Folklorico Dancers will request a monetary donation ($500).
  4. Discussion and possible decision for a contract to apply chip sealing on Airport Road.
  5. Discussion and possible decision on choice of vendor to paint the interior of Forrest Service building.
  6. Discussion and decision on a contract agreement between the City of Williams and Robert Krombeen, City Magistrate.
  7. Discussion and possible decision regarding rental facilities rate increase.
  8. Council may recommend approval of the issuance of a bingo license to Vern McElwain of the Veterans of Foreign Wars from the Arizona Department of Revenue.
  9. Discussion and possible action to arrange payments to APS for the Garland Prairie Project.
  10. Discussion and possible direction of staff regarding electrical conversion projects.

12-year-old missing from Safford, Arizona

savinya-kimbalSAFFORD — An AMBER alert was issued today for 12-year-old Savinya Kimball. She may be traveling with Lawrence James Halamek in a blue 2001 Dodge Quad Cab Pick up Truck with Arizona License T941407. Savinya Kimball was last seen today at 6:30 a.m. at the bus stop near the intersection of Stockton RD and Swift Trail.

Savinya Kimball is a white female 4’10 in height and weighs 70-pounds with blue eyes. She is 12-years-old with shoulder length black hair with the left side shaved. suspect-lawrence-james-halamekShe was last seen wearing black pants and an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team sweater.

She is suspected to be with Lawrence James Halamek, a white 34-year-old male. Halamek is 6’0 tall and weighs 182 pounds. He has short brown hair and brown eyes.

If spotted, no attempt should be made to apprehend. Contact the Graham County Sheriff’s Office at 928-428-0808, Department of Public Safety or your local police or Sheriff’s office. If spotted while driving, use 911.