Nitrites & Nitrates:
Nitrate or Nitrite levels higher than 10 ppm in drinking water pose a health risk to pregnant women and infants less than 1 year old. Levels this high may affect the amount of oxygen available to infants, leading to Blue Baby Syndrome or physical and mental development issues. High levels of nitrate may result from fertilizer, sewage, livestock feed lots, and biological features. * Nitrite levels of 110 ppb and 6 ppm were recorded in the wetland region, due to the high incidence of nitrogen-fixing plans in the region, as well as the stagnant nature of the water. These data points were excluded from the calculation of summary data, as the wetlands are only a very small part of the land being studied.

pH:
pH is ideally neutral, with a value of approximately 7. Lower pH (more acidic water) may lead to corrosion of pipes. If the pipes are lead, this can result in high lead levels in water and potentially lead poisoning.

Iron:
Iron levels above 300 ppb lead to water tasting bitter and staining laundry, fixtures, and hair. Iron comes from the soil and leaches into the water.

Lead:
Lead is harmful to children may lead to mental and physical retardation. Exposure in adults may result in kidney problems and high blood pressure.
Most lead exposure results from corroding pipes and fixtures that are made of lead. Lead also comes from natural erosion of deposits in the soil.

Radium/Radon:
Overexposure to radium or radon may increase the risk of developing cancer. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radium in water and soil comes from erosion of natural and man-made deposits. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally from decaying rock. It rises from the soil and into buildings through holes (from pipes or cracks) in foundations.

Barium:
Overexposure to barium may result in an increase in blood pressure. Barium presence at high levels may be attributed to discharge from industrial and natural deposits.

Copper:
Short-term exposure may lead to gastrointestinal problems. Long- term exposure may result in kidney and liver damage. Copper comes from erosion of natural deposits.

Mercury:
Exposure to mercury may result in kidney damage. Mercury comes from natural deposits in the soil or industrial waste.

Benzene:
High levels of exposure to benzene may lead to anemia, reduction in blood platelets, and an increased risk of cancer. Benzene may be leached from landfills or industrial areas.

Coliform Bacteria:
Coliform bacteria is often associated with sewage or waste water, and may indicate heightened populations of other bacteria.

Macroinvertebrates:
Species indicating very high water purity were found in abundance in the wetlands and slow-flow regions of the river. They include midge, caddis, may, dragon, and stone flies, beetles, and a variety of snails.

Other flora and fauna:
This region appears to be very rich in wildlife. Although we were unable to classify them, several species of birds, fish, rodents, newts, and frogs were observed. Flora includes several varieties of grasses, reeds, and rushes. Oak trees occur occasionally.

Turbidity:
Turbidity of the river is a good indicator of erosion along the river and purity of the water. Low turbidity indicates clean, pure water. High turbidity indicates a lot of cloudiness. High turbidity does not necessarily denote a health issue, but does indicate that the water needs to be filtered to make it more drinkable.

This data has been forwarded to the EPA, as per your request.
Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

        Sincerely,
                Muhtian Lee
                Environmental Assessors Manager