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Los Ranchos County Estates 15 August 1984 Page 2 Local citizens state that they have high ground water problems and failed leaching systems, particulary during the winter. Sewage backing into shower stalls and plumbing fixtures that fail to drain promptly. In addition they suspect sewer problems with their domestic water supply, which is for the most part from shallow individual wells 50' to 100' deep. This belief stems from the results of water samples the residents have processed over several years. The results of some of those tests are found in the appendix of this report. Nitrate, as NO3, is particularly, or better still is unbelivably high in several samples reaching 69, 73, 77 Mg/l. Total Disolved Solids (TDS) range above 1000 Mg/l which is not uncommon in the Tracy area, however Mr. Stumph's analysis dated 5/7/84 indicates a TDS level of 1519 Mg/1 which is high for domestic use. I have no knowledge of possible biological contamination, however, high ground water, shallow wells, septic tank treatment and leach line disposal would lead a technically experienced person to be suspect of contamination. This aspect of water quality should be investigated throughly, like yesterday or as soon as possible. There are several documents that indicate the existance of high ground water ranging between 2' and 8' below ground surface. Resident's comments regarding swimming pool and septic tank excavations becoming partially filled with ground water before construction could be completed on site conversations. 2. State Engineers and San Joaquin County Sanitarians on 26 March 1983 observed ground water occuring at 6' below ground surface, three wells with static heads al 1111, 7' and 5' respectively. Based on the above and other dnta, the California Water Quality Control Board staff recommended denial of approval for the Santos Ranch Subdivision (File No. 5-81-9). Frank McDermott's memorandum to Stan Phillippe dated 4 May 1981. Exhibit Bl - B3. 3. Above memorandum states that County Sanitarians observed nine perculation tests at Santos Ranch development where perculation - rates varied from 23"/minute to 80"/minute. Exhibit B1 - B3. 4. D.A. Parrish be Son's bill for septic tank pumping, dated 3/19, stated that in addition to $137.75 charge, pumper pumped 3000 gallons in 31 hours and that, "water is coming back into the tank from the leech lines". It is doubtful that there are any septic tanks in the development with capacities of 3000 gallons which indicates the tank was being charged from outside and that ground water was near the top of the septic tank. Exhibit C1.