LaBelle residents worry over water quality after missed testing alert

LABELLE, Fla.—Residents of LaBelle are expressing concern over the city's notification process regarding a public drinking water notice.

The city announced via Facebook and on the back of water bills that it failed to complete a yearly monitoring sample for nitrite and nitrate, leaving uncertainty about water quality during the monitoring period.

Valerie Deleon, a LaBelle resident for over 15 years, shared her frustrations with WINK News.

"I mean, if they knew that there was something wrong, they should have been told somebody instead of just posting it on Facebook. Not everybody has Facebook," said Deleon.

Deleon explained that she typically receives immediate alerts during boil water notices.

"Usually we'll get a call from at work saying that we're under a boil watch or something like that, not to use the water. But we didn't get any calls. I've been at work since 4:30 this morning, and no calls," said Deleon.

The notice is particularly concerning to Deleon as a mother, who is worried about her children's safety at school and potential health risks.

"My kids go to school, and we don't know about this water, and then they have the fountain machines and stuff going on. Then, I mean, our kids could get sick from this. And not only that, where I work at we use this water to give to customers, and what if one of them gets sick and they think it's because of what we gave them, like, that's not right," said Deleon.

WINK News informed Deleon about the notice as she left the post office, prompting her to notify her neighbors, friends, and family, including her children.

"Especially my son, he's going to be very dramatic. He's going to be like, Oh no, Mom, I don't think I feel good. He's going to try to stay at home. Oh yeah, he's gonna be Oh yeah. And then he's got football practice this afternoon, and then I know I gotta text him and let him know not to drink the water. Wow, scary. Yeah. I just hope that they can fix this, and hopefully nobody gets sick," said Deleon.

Sampling will take place over the next two days, after which results will be posted. Meanwhile, residents are advised to be cautious with their water usage.