HomeMy WebLinkAboutMOUNTAIN PARK ESTATES #2 BLK 4 LT 11AMunicipality ,of Anchorage
George I: 11 ucrch, Mayo~~r
Building Safety Dix'ision
P.O. lh)x l~.X~kq0 · ct700 S. Bragaw Street
Anchorage, Alaslm ~)519-6C~'~0 * (907) 3~13-8301
6/712001 h t t l~://www.cl.anchoragc.ak.us
Public Works
Scott A Westover
PO Box 112191
Anchorage, AK
Subject:
Expired On-Site Water and/or Wastewater Permit.
Permit Number: SW000080,
Parcel ID: 017-023-83
Dear Seott'A Westover:
An On-Site Water/Wastewater Permit, number SW000080, issued by this office for a
single-family system, expired on May 1, 2001. This permit was valid for 365 calendar
days.
If this was a well permit and the well has been drilled, a well log must be sent to this
office for documentation of the installation and to close the permit.
If this permit was for a wastewater disposal system, an original as-built inspection report
must be sent to this office for review, approval and documentation. This as-built
inspection report must be signed by the licensed Professional Engineer who inspected the
installation of the system. As-built inspection reports are required to be submitted within
30 days of the completion of the system.
If no system was installed under this permit, and you are still planning to install a well or
wastewater disposal system, a new permit must be obtained from this office. When
applying for a new permit, the fees are: $320.00 for a wastewater permit and $120.00 for
a well permit.
If you have any questions, please call this office at 343-7904.
Sincerely,
. {Letters Sent 617/01 without copies being made, second printing for file copies}
James Cross, PE
Manager
On-Site Water and Wastewater Program
enc: Copy ofpermit
MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
Department of Health and Human Sen/ices
On-Site Services Program
825 L Street, Room 502
P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
(907) 343-4744
ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEM PERMIT
Renewal
Date Issued: May 01, 2000
Expiration Date: May 01, 2001
Permit Number:. SW000080 Parcel ID: 017-023-83
Legal Description: MOUNTAIN PARK ESTATES #2 BLK 4 LT 11A
Design Engineer:. 0045 Criterium Alaska Engineers
Owner Name: Scott A Westover
Owner Address: PO Box 112191
Anchorage, AK 99511-
Site Address: 013130 FOSTER RD
Lot Size: 40260 SQ. FT.
Total Bedrooms: 4 Permit Bedrooms: 4
This permit is for the construction of:
[] Disposal Field [] Septic Tank [] Holding Tank [] Privy
[] Private Well [] Water Storage
All construction must be in accordance with:
1. The attached approved design.
2. All requirements specified in Anchorage Municipal Code Chapters 15.55 and 15.65 and Ihe State of Alaska
Wastewater Disposal Regulations ( 18AAC72 ) and Drinking Water Regulations ( 18AAC80 ).
3. The engineer must notify DHHS at least 2 hours prior to each inspection. Provide notification by calling
(907) 343-4744 ( 24 hours ). ( Not required for a Water Supply Permit only ).
4. From October 15 to April 15, a subsurface soil absorption system under construction dudng freezing weather
must be either. A. Open and closed on the same day.
B. Covered, sealed, and heated to prevent freezing.
5. The following special provisions.
Biocycle permit
Renewal of permit #SW990074
1. The soils log done by S.&S. Engineering shall be Included with the As-built package.
2. Any changes to the attached design must be approved by DHHS before construction.
Received By: ¢? ~ t .
Issued By: ~~
· Date: -~-" ~- ' O ~
MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
Department of Health end Human Services
On-Site Services Program
825 L Street, Room 502
P.O. Box 196650, Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
(907) 343-4744
ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEM PERMIT
Renewal
Date Issued: Apr 28. 1999
Expiration Date: Apr 27, 2000
Permit Number: SW990074 Parcel ID: 017-023-83
Legal Description: MOUNTAIN PARK ESTATES #2 SLK 4 LT 11A
Design Engineer. 0045 Criterium Alaska Engineers
Owner Name: Scott A Westover
Owner Address: PO Box 112191
Anchorage, AK 99511-
Site Address:
Lot Size: 40260 SQ. FT.
Total Bedrooms: 4 Permit Bedrooms: 4
This permit is for the construction of:
[] Disposal Field [] Septic Tank [] Holding Tank [] Privy
[] Private Well [] Water Storage
Ail construction must be In accordance with:
1. The attached approved design.
2. All requirements specified in Anchorage Municipal Code Chapters 15.55 and 15.65 and the State of Alaska
Wastewater Disposal Regulations ( 18AAC72 ) and Ddnking Water Regulations ( 18AAC80 ).
3. The engineer must notify DHHS at least 2 hours prior to each inspection. Provide notification by calling
(907) 343-4744 ( 24 hours ). ( Not required for a Water Supply Permit only ).
4. From October 15 to Apd115, a subsurface soil absorption system under construction during freezing weather
must be either. A. Open and closed on Ihe same day.
B. Covered. sealed, and heated to prevent freezing.
5. The following special provisions.
Biocycle permit
Renewal of permit #SW980075
1) The soils log done by S&S engineering shall be included wtht the As-built package.
2) Any changes to teh attached design must be approved by DHHS before construction.
Received By: ~:~ '~f./'~.~.'~
1201 ~,?mon? St. 99515
SIX INCH WATER WELL DRILLED .......... OUT TO THE DEPTH OF. R67 feet. '
DRILLED AT THE RATE OF ~P. 5,00 PER FOOT. Zt,~e! c~cinE seated out
PROPERTY OWNER ~r. Scott :Yestovn. r P.C.. ~ 11R391 ~ch.
LOCATION OF WELL SITF Lt. 1.~. Blk & Mountzin ~=rk Estztes //R
~...m ~rt Dril!~n~ ~o..~s.
DRILLER Bernie Cl~u~ of ~ '-~ ....
Note: One ~0 ~ound s~ck of ~viro?.~E -,x~ grout us=~ on ~...~
WELL LOG= c?ci~.se~l ~rou~d the o~t~.~.e of the cnsi~.
0 - ]8' Silty sendy cl~y ,?!th hO:'~ ~r~ve! m=-terizl.
to ~-~7 ft.
'.?; 99511-2191
18 - &5' M~r~n. ~ cement~ cr*ve! not~r~!.
45 - 160' Coarse rr~vel ~vith ~0% clay.
160 - 189' ~ wet cl~y ~ith 25~ fine er?vel.
189 - 217,:Cosrso ~ravel. Sever-! boulders.
inch boulder rt 217 feet. With much trouble,
20 inch boulder ?t 190 & r ~?
~'.,e ?~ere zble to get through
those t,:~o Throuuh nors -~- -~ ....
· ~,.r.~ ~.rrvel, ~';e. hit - 2L. inch bou!'.'er ?t 2L, 5 ft.
'.'is ~ot throb.-~h it after much cf fort.
245 - 257' ~.7et silty grz.vel ?~th 20~ clny. From 265 to 267 v'e finally
a good co?rcs v~nter be~.rin~ gr.rvel ~ ?:e '.':ere ~.ble to ~ump the ~?rt9r -lno'st
crystz! clez. r. Therefore, the quality is good. The eu~,nity could be better.
There is not high'-'~,~t.,.~ pr~ ~u_e~ on this c. quifer. It' '::ill ~unp five ....
short durc.tions, ~: th~n drop do"m ,.o ...... h..t. HeY:ever, th~s 'Ye!! hfs 90 fc-~t
of v:~.ter r~covery off bottom.. One hors~poror pump ,..,~u_c~'~ ~ ~ bo ~-~1~ '.'~ry
clo~.~ to bottom. Threc to four foot.
Scott, th~rc is c. 50/50 chance th~.t this ",'ell T~ill need tc b~
tho integrity of th~ c~sing ~: thc ~'~,~= so the U;oll c~n be ;,=-~
future. (There should bo r, noth~r ~- ~ ~ -~
~,~u_f~_ sho¥,~ng high yield ~,~,ib_~ 'in ~ncthe
50 feet. But v~o ccn. t sty until v:e rea, ch it.) So ~ve ¥.~ll keep tHy, t possibility
in mind..~so c.n elcctronic control v.~ll be installed v~ith t~ ....
pump for lov~ v~ater cutoff. ~e rebommond Jim Sullivem of 9.rctic ~mp &'~Ye!l to
install the pump. He kno[vs his business. Scott, I'm edding c thou~-n~ to t~s .
'~6~000.00' paid u~i front bY-ScOtt- Westover;.-~25,00'.'per:ft. 'x 267"ft: 86~675.o0~'~'
WR~Tm CHECK PAYAmLE TO ~PART OR~LUN~'WOmKS FOR THE SU~ OF ~1
'One thousand .~,dc .... for explosives.~ shooter.-comt.. · ,
? May.l?,. 1998. .' '~"."'.: ' :" -' '~: - ' ' ' "
PAGE i OF 2
MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
P.O. BOX 196650, 825 "L" STREET, ROOM 502
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99519-6650
ON-SITE WELL AND WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEM PERMIT
PERMIT NUMBER:SW980075
DESIGN ENGINEER:CRITERIUM ALASKA ENGINEERS
OWNER NAME:WESTOVER SCOTT
O~ER ADDRESS:PO BOX 112191
ANCHORAGE, AK 99511-2191
PARCEL ID:01702311
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
MOUNTAIN PARK ESTATES #2 BLK 4 LT
AS LOT llA)
LOT SIZE: 40260 (SQ. FT.)
NUMBER OF BEDROOMS: 4 THIS PERMIT: 4
11 & 12
DATE ISSUED: 4/24/98
EXPIRATION DATE: 4/24/99
(TO BE COMBINED
THIS PERMIT IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF:
DISPOSAL FIELD /SEPTIC TANK / WELL SYSTEM
ALL CONSTRUCTION MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH:
1. THE ATTACHED APPROVED DESIGN.
2. ALL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN ANCHORAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTERS
15.55 AND 15.65 AND THE STATE OF ALASKA WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
REGULATIONS (18AAC72) AND DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS (iSAACS0).
3. THE ENGINEER MUST NOTIFY DHHS AT LEAST 2 HOURS
PRIOR TO EACH INSPECTION. PROVIDE NOTIFICATION BY
CALLING 343-4744 ( 24 HOURS ) (NOT REQUIRED FOR WELL ONLY PERMIT)
4. FROM OCTOBER 15 TO APRIL 15 A SUBSURFACE SOIL
ABSORPTION SYSTEM UNDER CONSTRUCTION DURING FREEZING
WEATHER MUST BE EITHER:
A. OPENED AND CLOSED ON THE SAME DAY
B. COVERED, SEALED AND HEATED TO PREVENT FREEZING
5. THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS:
{1) THE SOILS LOG DONE'BY"S&S ENGINEERING SHALL BE INCLUDED'
.WITH THE AS-BUILT PACKAGE. ~
.'!2)'AN ENGINEER M' ST COMPLETE 2 INSTALLATION INSPECTIONS.~ ~
~:.3) ANY CHANGES THF~ATTACHED DESIGN MUST BE APPROVED BY~
{DHHS BEFORE .................
ISSUED BY: ~,/,-~
DATE:
CRITERIUM,,, AZASKA ENGINEE£$
P.O. BOX 111790, ANCHORAGE, AK 99511-1790
(907) a49-'1
Septcmber 16, 1997
Mr. James Cross, P.E., Program Manager
On-Site Services, Water Quality
Municipality of Anchorage
P.O. Box 196650
Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
Rcfcrcnce: Permit Application, New Septic System, Lots I I and 12, Block 4, Mountain Park Estates,
Anchorage, Alaska (Foster Rood) [Westovcr], CAE lob # 97042
Dear Mr. Cross:
We arc enclosing the soil logs and draxdngs showing thc proposed installation of an on-site septic system
at the refcrenced location.
The systcm we are recommending is the installation of a raised bcd drainficld over a 4' sand filter. The
location we have selected is in the southeast comer of Lot 12, approximately 55' southeast of the proposed
house location. A 1,500 gallon BioCycle unit will be installed to serve as a septic tank and treatment
system and li~ station for the system.
Wc have designed a bed system with 4' sand filter. Thc underlying soils percolate at I0 minutes per inch.
The silty (ML) soils on thc surface arc underlain ~th a silty gravel (GM) and a gravely sand (SM). The
silty gravels are densely compacted and arc relatively impervious. The 4' sand layer and 2' of receiving
soils will provide thc required 6' separation between lite bed system and impervious layers.
The dminficld and soil log ~as selected because of s4sual examination of thc lot. This location appeared
to be the most likely for a septic system. The location is convenient for servicing and is well away from
lite proposed well and wells on adjoining lots.
Thc test pit ~as dug to a depth of 15 feet ~dthout cncountcring ground water or bedrock. Subsequent
monitoring of possible ground~n"ater showed no evidence of moisture. The soils arc dcnscly compacted
gravels with silt.
Known wells, drainficlds and drainage ways within 200' of thc proposed system are shown on site plan.
Thc installation of this ~stcm ~dll not impact existing systems or adjoining properties. Thc adjoining lots
ammo md ~h~ nO ,0Ped0a.;dotmhCa~;tac~j:inndingSm,,,',,.cerllismoPrrO~;tim:;t,:t~l%~osc lots arc shown. Thc propeseddrainficld is
Mr. James Cross, P.E., Program Manager
September 16, 1997, Page 2
Wc rcspcoffully request, on behalf of Scott Wcstover, tha! a pcrmi! bc issued for this sy~cm, as indicalcd
in the attached drawing. If you have any further questions, please do not hcsital¢ Io contact us.
Sincorely,
Principal
TAJ/jbj/Enclosurcs
s~,. ,.. FO,.W'rEH ROAD CRI1
COL .... LOT~ 11 + 12. BLOCK 4, I~AIN PAF~ ESTA'TI~S '
P.o. Box 111790
I!
ii
I I
II
"i-:-- ~. ,? ....
II
!1
DE ,AR~'I~'JN t~>AD j
FOSTER ROAD
LOTS 1~ 4- 12. BLOCK 4, MOUNTA~I PARK ESTATES ·
ANCI..ICRAOE, ALASKA
I CRrTERIUM
P.O. Cox 111790
Anchoraqe, Alolka g9511
Municipality of Anchorage
SOILS LOG ~ PERCOLATION TEST
SLOPE SITE PLAN
YES, AT WHAT
15.
16
17
18
19,
20-
PERCOLATION RATE , ~, ~ {minuteshnch) PERC HOLE DIAMETER ,
' ~- - ~/ CERTIFY THA~ T~S TEST WAS PERFORMED iN
ACCORDANCE WITH ALL S~ATE AND MUNICIPAL GUIDELINES I" EFFECT ON TH S DATE. DATE; ~/~ ~
�k% ;bg7 8 9
ti
®Municipality of Anchor
OCT 0 61 2019
On -Site Water and Wastewater Progra n
(907) 343-7904 ��a 5 , F E T
CERTIFICATE OF ON-SITE SYSTEMS
Parcel I.D. 017-023-83
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Expiration Date: l -g Z®2
Complete legal description Mountain Park Estates #2 Block 4 Lot 11A
Location (site address) 13130 Foster Road
Current Property owner(s) Barry J. Gass Day phone
Mailing address
Real Estate Agent
13130 Foster Road Anchorage, AK
2. TYPE OF DWELLING:
® Single Family (w/wo ADU)
❑ Duplex
❑ Multiple Dwellings (Single Family and/or Duplex)
Day phone
3. NUMBER OF BEDROOMS:
4
TYPE OF WASTEWATER DISPOSAL:
4. TYPE OF WATER SUPPLY:
Individual
Individual Well
®
Holding Tank
❑
Individual Water Storage
❑
Community
❑
Community Class _Well
❑
Public Sewer
❑
Public Water System
❑
WaiverNariance request for: Distance:
Received by: Date:
COSA to be released to the engineer, unless otherwise requested by the engineer.
5. STATEMENT OF INSPECTION BY ENGINEER
As certified by my seal affixed hereto and as of the validation date shown below, I verify that my investigation,
based on procedures outlined in the Certificate of On -Site Systems Approval Guidelines for this application,
shows that the on-site water supply and/or wastewater disposal system is (are) safe, functional and adequate
for the number of bedrooms and type of structure indicated herein. I further verify that based on the information
obtained from the Municipality of Anchorage files and from my investigation and inspection, the on-site water
supply and/or wastewater disposal system is(are) in compliance with all applicable Municipal and State codes,
ordinances, and regulations in effect at the time of installation.
Name of Firm ARCTERRA CONSULTING, INC. Phone 696-6111
Address 20441 PTARMIGAN BLVD., EAGLE RIVER, AK 99577
Engineer's Printed Name KENNETH M. DUFFUS Date
Engineer's Comments: This investigation was completed in compliance with ADEC and MOA regulations. The assessment of the condition
of the well and septic applies only to the conditions as of the day tested. The flow and absorption rates may change due to subsurface
conditions that may not be observed from the surface, changes inland use, local soil characteristics, groundwater levels that may fluctuate
during the year and the water usage of the family being served by the system. The operational life of all well and septic systems are
subject to these various and dynamic characteristics and are outside the control of the
evaluator of the well and septic system. Therefore,
ArcTerra can not give any estimate of how long a
system will function satisfactory for current or future
occupants or can ArcTerra guarantee that no unseen �. aL� Di'
encroachments, deficiencies or discrepancies exist. �v 7 1
6. DSD SIGNATURE
System #1 Approved for bedrooms.KE"E1 71'6 DUF ,
System #2 Approved for bedrooms.
Disapproved.
Conditional approval for bedrooms, with the following stipulations:
Original Certificate Date:
The Municipality of Anchorage Development Services Division (DSD) issues Certificates of On -Site Systems Approval (COSA) based only
upon the representations given in paragraph 5 by an independent professional civil engineer registered in the State of Alaska. The Municipality
of Anchorage is not responsible for errors or omissions in the professional engineer's work.
7. ATTACHMENTS:
COSA Checklist X Nitrate Advisory
Septic System Advisory Arsenic Advisory
Well Flow Advisory Other
COSA blue sheet 10-10-12.doc
Legal Description: Mountain Park Estates #2 Block 4 Lot 11 A Parcel ID: 017-023-83
If more than 1 septic system on lot: COSA Checklist # of Structure served by this system 1
A. WELL DATA
❑ Well log is filed with Onsite (or attached)
Date drilled 4/17/98
Total depth 267 ft
Cased to 267 ft
❑ Sanitary seal is functioning correctly
Wires are properly protected
Casing height (above ground) 24 in.
Date of flow test for COSA 9/9/19
Static water level at beginning of test 187 ft.
Comments * Bypassed Storage tank durring testing
B. TANK DATA
Age of tank(s) 17 years
Tank type/material Septic/Steel
Measured operating
❑ Standpipes/foam
Date of purr
7a' I in septic t kms_
ion cleano t per r wing
_� _ int f 0'
D. ABSORPTION FIELD DATA
Which system tested (date installed)6/8/02
❑ ALL standpipes present per record drawing
Total measured depth from grade 13.5 ft (max)
Measured depth to pipe invert from grade 7 ft (min)
❑ N/A — pressurized field
❑ Monitor tubes go to bottom of effective. If not, state
depth into effective
❑ Code -required soil cover over field
❑ System presoaked
(Required if vacant for greater than 30 days prior to
date of test)
Gallons introduced gallons
Comments/Deficiencies:
COSA Checklist yellow sheet
Well production at time of test 2.5 gpm
Water storage tank volume 2000* gallons
Well disinfected for coliform test? ❑ Yes No
❑ Coliform bacteria is Negative
Nitrate 6.62 mg/L ❑ Nitrate less than MRL (ND)
Arsenic IV[) ug/L ❑ Arsenic less than MRL (ND)
Collected by Arcterra Consulting
Date of Sample 9/9/19
C. LIFT STATION
❑ Required maintenance completed
Age of lift station years
Lift station material
Comments:
Adequacy test date 9/9/19
Results ® Pass For 4 bedrooms
Fluid depth prior to test 15 in
Water added 600 gal
New depth 51 in
Elapsed time 245 min
Final fluid depth 15 in
Absorption rate 600 +gpd
Any rejuvenation treatment (past 12 months)
If yes, enter date
E. SEPARATION DISTANCES
From Private Well on Lot to: (Please enter distances if less than required or if community well)
Septic Tank/Lift Station on Lot > 100'
® Yes if No ft
Wells on Adjacent Lots:
Community Sewer Manhole/Cleanout > 100'
® Yes
if No
ft
m Yes
if No
Neighboring Tank > 100' ® Yes
if No
ft
Private Sewer/Septic Line > 25' m Yes
if No
Absorption Field on Lot > 100' ® Yes
if No
ft
Holding Tank > 100' ® Yes
if No
Neighboring Absorption Fields > 100'
Animal Containment > 50' ® Yes
if No
® Yes
if No
ft
Manure/Animal Excreta Storage > 100'
Community Sewer Main > 75' ® Yes
if No
ft
® Yes
if No
From Septic/Holding Tank on Lot to: (Please enter distances if less than required)
Building Foundations > 10' ® Yes if No ft Surface Water > 100'
ft
ft
ft
ft
111
® Yes if No ft
Property Line > 5'
® Yes if No ft
Wells on Adjacent Lots:
Absorption Field > 5'
® Yes if No ft
Private Wells > 100' ® Yes if No _
Water Main > 10'
® Yes if No ft
Community Wells > 200' ® Yes if No
Water Service Line > 10'
® Yes if No ft
If septic tank is under driveway comment below
From Absorption Field on Lot to: (Please enter distances if less than required)
Building Foundation > 10' 0 Yes if No ft If absorption field is under driveway comment below
Property Line > 10'
® Yes
if No
ft Wells on Adjacent Lots:
Water Main > 10'
® Yes
if No
ft Private Wells > 100'
Water Service Line > 10'
® Yes
if No
ft Community Wells > 200'
Surface Water > 100'
® Yes
if No
ft
F. ENGINEER'S COMMENTS
G. ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATION
I certify that I have determined through field inspections and review
of Municipal records that the above systems are in conformance with
MOA COSA guidelines in effect on this date.
COSA Checklist yellow sheet
0
ft
ft
® Yes if No ft
® Yes if No ft
1 :KENNETH 4l,
i
*FUS: HCl
f 1
zO/rf
Nitrate Advisory
Certificate of On -Site Systems Approval # OSC191468
Subdivision: Mountain Park Estates #2, Block: 4, Lot: 11A
A water sample revealed a nitrate concentration of 6.62 milligrams per liter (mg/Q.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a maximum
contaminant level (MCL) of 10.0 mg/L for public drinking water systems. While
private wells are not subject to this regulation, EPA standards are based on existing
health information and can therefore be used to gauge the relative quality of water
from private wells. Please see the attached "Nitrate Fact Sheet" for important
information regarding nitrate.
This advisory must be attached to all copies of the subject Certificate of On -Site
Systems Approval.
hfi ,' s.'JJ+,W-n � ' ps4d s`,y�-,�ar� �. y � sa, s'a`°�a
��,,�`�� ������1���� in��`;fC�+d�ess �t���B� 156�65`��4�c�c�rag�, Afar c1�9�a19�S50����ru4�►vu�u��org���4
From Northern Testing Laboratories, Inc.
Nitrate is a negatively charged compound of nitrogen and oxygen, which is very soluble in water. Nitrate
is not readily filtered or otherwise removed in the soil and can pass rapidly into ground water wells.
SOURCE: Nitrate is a major component of fertilizer and wastewater. Often the nitrate is in the form of
ammonia or protein first, which through contact with oxygen and certain bacteria, converts to the
oxidized form known as nitrate. Sources of nitrate from wastewater include urea, ammonia cleaners,
food solids, and bacterial cells. It may also result from the breakdown of organic matter buried in the soil.
TOXICITY: Nitrate is generally not toxic to adults or children over the age of two or three years, but is
associated with a potentially fatal infant disease called methemoglobinemia. In the digestive system of
young children, nitrate converts to nitrite, which can pass through the intestinal wall into the blood
stream. There it combines with the hemoglobin and interferes with the ability of the blood to carry
oxygen. For this reason, methemoglobinemia is referred to as "blue baby" disease. The EPA limits the
concentration of nitrate in public drinking water supplies to 10 mg/L. The standard has been lowered
from a previous level of 45 mg/L set by the US Public Health Service and the World Health Organization.
TREATMENT: due to its solubility in water and negative ionic charge, filtration and other common home
water treatment systems such as softening or iron filtration does not readily remove nitrate. The best
method for limiting nitrate in well water is source control. This can include avoiding overdosing of
fertilizer near the well and maintaining good separation distances between septic tank leach fields and
the well. A special anion exchange filter that contains a media with a strong affinity for negatively charged
ions in water, or by a reverse osmosis treatment system or distillation can remove nitrate.
TESTING: Nitrate analysis is usually done by one of the several "wet chemical" methods using a
spectrophotometer to read the final color endpoint. Specific ion electrodes also can be used to detect
the activity of nitrate in water. This laboratory uses several different wet chemical methods approved
under the public water supply laboratory certification program. They also have test kits available, which
the laboratory uses to perform an inexpensive "screening test", and with which the homeowner can
monitor the change in nitrate levels from their well. They recommend comparing the test kit results
against a certified analysis from the lab occasionally to verify the accuracy of the kit. We recommend
using a specially prepared bottle that has been rinsed in hydrochloric acid for collecting samples.