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of the ground-water aquifer, it is possible that any remaining surface contaminants may be transported to the first saturated zone of the aquifer. Clay soils, like those found on this Site, tend to inhibit downward movement of nitrate due to adsorption of the nitrate ions to the soil. Sources of Nitrate Dairies, orchards that require fertilization in sandy soils, and septic systems have been found to be the most significant sources of nitrate in ground water. A large dairy is located approximately one-half mile southeast of the Site. Percolating Recharge Waters One of the most determinant factors in the Hantzsche and Finnemore equation is the rate of recharge from percolating waters, which mix with the downward-percolating effluent generated by on-site septic systems. In the original Hantzsche and Finnemore paper, "average recharge rate of rainfall" was utilized. Based on San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department policy (personal communication, March 18, 2019), the recharge input for the Hantzsche and Finnemore equation should be derived from average monthly precipitation of rainfall and evapotranspiration rates for the area; the data should be obtained from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS), preferably from stations located within San Joaquin County. Recharge is calculated by first determining whether the average monthly precipitation exceeds average monthly potential evapotranspiration. If so, then the difference is the percolating recharge water into the aquifer. Runoff and stream infiltration drainage are not factored into the calculation. This approach likely under-estimates recharge to the aquifer and, consequently, over-estimates nitrate loading. The closest CIMIS station to the Site is Ripon (station 249). Data for the Ripon station were available for the past nine years; based on the calculation shown, the estimated rate of recharge from percolating waters for the Ripon station is determined to be 3.68 inches (Plate 15). A statistical error of 55 percent is associated with this value. Quality of Rainwater Hantzsche and Finnemore listed 1 mg/L-N as the nitrate concentration of rainwater for their original calculation; in the past, Live Oak has also utilized this value for the nitrate loading calculation. To determine a more accurate local value, Live Oak has collected rainwater during 15 recent storm events in Lodi. Each sample was collected in a clean, dry, stainless steel bowl, then decanted into a plastic container and placed on ice for transport. The LOGE 2606 Page 9