The City of Ashton has a history of nitrate concentrations in our drinking water in excess of what is allowable by state and federal standards.  The principal health concern is that infants less than six months old may become seriously ill if they drink water with nitrate concentrations greater than 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) (drinking water standards). This can cause methemoglobinemia, which has symptoms including shortness of breath and bluish skin, and if left untreated has the potential to cause death.