Residents are being urged not to drink the water in Niobrara following a water main break Monday.
Niobrara Village Clerk Mona Weatherwax says the city has a water main break on the line going from the main well to the water tower near the Highway 12 & 14 junction.
In order to maintain pressure to the water tower, the city has had to turn on their back-up well. Weatherwax says this well is high in manganese and although manganese is a necessary nutrient at
lower levels, it is not recommended at levels above 1000 micrograms per liter for human consumption. This well has 1190 micrograms of manganese per liter of water.
Therefore, the city has issued a no consumption notice that has been delivered to all households. Residents should not drink, cook with or boil the water. They can wash dishes, flush toilets and take showers only. The Village of Niobrara will keep residents posted on when the warning has been lifted.
