SITE INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDENCE

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as"nitrite as nitrogen."The table Maximum to the right shows the different Contaminant Level (MCL) ways MCLS are reported and the Reporting Method Nitrate Nitrite allowable levels of nitrate and ni- trite. To determine if the level of mg/L 45 3.3 nitrate/nitrite in your water is ppm 45 3.3 safe, compare your test results to as nitrogen (mg/L) 10 1.0 the MCL in the table that uses as nitrogen (ppm) 10 1.0 the same reporting method. If the level is below the MCL, then the water is considered safe to drink. One water sample may not take into ac- count fluctuations in nitrate concentrations over time. Therefore, to be cautious, in- fants and pregnant women may wish to avoid drinking tap water if the levels of nitrate and nitrite are close to the MCL. WHAT CAN 1 DO IF LEVELS OF NITRATE OR NITRITE IN MY WELL WATER ARE ABOVE THE MCL? If the levels of nitrate or nitrite are above the MCL, you have several options: • Use bottled water for drinking and cooking, and limit well water usage to bathing and showering. • Check with the county environmental health department about the possibility of get- ting hooked up to a public water system. • Consider treatment methods either at the wellhead or the tap. For information, con- tact the Water Treatment Device Certification Unit of the California Department of Health Services in Sacramento at (916) 449-5600. Do not boil the water to get rid of nitrate or nitrite. This will actually increase the concentration of chemicals in the water. RECOMMENDATIONS • Have your private well water tested for the levels of nitrate and nitrite. • If your water exceeds or comes close to the MCL (as shown in the table): — Do not use well water to make formula for infants under six months. — Do not drink well water if you are pregnant. If you have questions about this fact sheet, or are having trouble contacting your local envi- ronmental health department,please call Rubi Orozco (510-620.3671) or Marilyn Underwood (510-620-3610) at the California Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Investigations Branch. This fact sheet was supported by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response,Compensation and Liability Act trust fund through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.