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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. 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. 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). 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 Site is located closest to the CIMIS stations at Ripon (station 249) and Manteca (station 70). Data for the Ripon station were available for the past three years; based on the calculation shown, the estimated rate of recharge from percolating waters for the Ripon station is determined to be 3.00 inches (Plate 12). A statistical error of 34 percent is associated with this value. Data for the Manteca station were available for the past six years; based on the calculation shown, the estimated rate of recharge from percolating waters for the Manteca station is determined to be 3.69 inches (Plate 13). A statistical error of 43 percent is associated with this value. The two stations were then averaged, for a regional rainfall value of 3.34 inches. 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. In May 2019, Live Oak collected rainwater during two storm events in Lodi; in March and May 2020, Live Oak collected two additional samples at the same location. Each sample was collected in a clean, dry, stainless steel bowl, then decanted into a plastic LOGE 20-25 Page 9