'It is very alarming:' High levels of nitrite found in Williams Bay water leaving thousands scrambling

WILLIAMS BAY, Wis (CBS58) — Residents in Williams Bay are scrambling to find clean water. 

On Wednesday night a "do not drink" alert was issued for the village and could last for weeks.

A question for many residents is how long has their water been in their contaminated?

"The activities of daily living bathing everything now water is everywhere in your life," said Libby a Williams Bay resident. 

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Williams Bay residents woke up to a new reality.

"We've got water sitting at all the sinks, so I don't accidentally brush my teeth with the wrong water or give my dog the wrong water so mainly I'm going to have to go out really soon and get some water and make sure we don't run out," said Anita O'Brien, Williams Bay resident.

While water is running from the sink, resident can't drink or cook with the tap. 

"Now it's a problem and it is very alarming," said Libby.

The village was informed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about potential levels of nitrite in the water on Monday. 

"Nitrite is more toxic and we are concerned at one milligram per liter," said Steve Elmore, Director of Drinking Water and Ground Water Program at the Wisconsin DNR.

Tests and water samples came back late Wednesday showing the water system exceeded the maximum level allowed. 

"They had a scenario where ammonia in their source water then was converting into nitrite in this case out in the distribution system that's a very unique problem that we don't do regular testing for," said 

Director of the Drinking Water and Ground Water Program with the Wisconsin DNR says it's unclear when the issue started.

"It was a few weeks ago. A homeowner first reported that to the health department that they had gone to see a doctor because their kids were sick," said Elmore.

Many are worried for their health. 

"It decreases how much oxygen your body can carry its more concerning for babies and children and pregnant women," said O'Brien.

To help the village is offering cases of water at the Williams Bay School, hundreds of cars filed into the school to get enough water to last the next few days. 

"The main thing right now is making sure the city has enough water for the entire city because who knows," said O'Brien.

The Village of Williams Bay is distributing water at the high school from 3 to 7 p.m. every day until September 2 and it will be from 4 to 7p.m. until they are sure the water is safe.