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Instructions for Nitrate NoticeBTemplate 1-1 Template on Reverse Since exceeding the nitrate maximum contaminant level is a Tier 1 violation,you must provide public notice to persons served as soon as practical but within 24 hours after you learn of the violation(141.202(b)).During this time period you must also contact your primacy agency.You should also coordinate with your local health department.This template is also applicable to nitrite and total nitrate and nitrite violations.You must use one or more of the following methods to deliver the notice to consumers(141.202(c)): X Radio X Television X Hand or direct delivery X Posting in conspicuous locations You may need to use additional methods(e.g.,newspaper,delivery of multiple copies to hospitals,clinics,or apartment buildings), since notice must be provided in a manner reasonably calculated to reach all persons served. The notice on the reverse is appropriate for hand delivery or a newspaper notice.However,you may wish to modify it before using it for a radio or TV notice.If you do,you must still include all required elements and leave the health effects language in italics unchanged.This language is mandatory(141.205(d)). See Chapter 8 for a notice designed for posting.If you post or hand deliver, print your notice on letterhead,if available. Alternative Sources of Water If you are providing alternative sources of water for infants,your notice should say where it can be obtained.Remember that bottled water can also be contaminated.If you are providing bottled water,make sure it meets the standard for nitrates by contacting the bottler and asking for the most recent test results. Repeat Notices If this is a repeat notice(as required by your primacy agency),or if your system=s nitrate levels fluctuate around the MCL,you may wish to include an explanation similar to the following: - You were initially notified of high nitrate levels on[date].Since that time we have been monitoring the nitrate concentration every three months.Seasonal fluctuations in nitrate concentrations have been observed,due to nitrates contained in fertilizer.It appears that high nitrates occur during the later summer and fall.Note.that prior to[year]we were meeting drinking water standards for nitrate. Corrective Action In your notice,describe corrective actions you are taking.The bullet below describes one action commonly taken by water systems with nitrate/nitrite violations.Use this language,if appropriate,or develop your own: X We are investigating water treatment and other options.These may include drilling a new well,mixing the water with low-nitrate water from another source, or buying water from another water system. After Issuing the Notice Make sure to send your primacy agency a copy of each type of notice and a certification that you have met all the public notice requirements within ten days after issuing the notice(141.31(d)).You should also issue a follow-up notice in addition to meeting any repeat notice requirements your primacy agency sets. You should notify health professionals in the area of the violation. People may call their doctors with questions,and the doctors should have the information they need to respond appropriately.They also need to make sure the water is not provided to infants in their care.