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Exploring Options When There Are Nitrates in the Well
Author(s) -
Mitchell Larry W.,
Campbell Reid A.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
opflow
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1551-8701
pISSN - 0149-8029
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8701.2003.tb01703.x
Subject(s) - nitrate , reverse osmosis , electrodialysis , environmental science , bottled water , agency (philosophy) , water treatment , environmental engineering , business , waste management , environmental planning , engineering , chemistry , biochemistry , philosophy , organic chemistry , epistemology , membrane
This article discusses how Heater Utilities in Wake County, North Carolina, explored several options when nitrate levels exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency‐mandated maximum contaminant level of 10 mg/L. Public notification was recommended as an important first step, followed by supplying bottled water to those who request it. The article lists four primary approaches to solving elevated long‐term nitrate levels: obtaining source water from a neighboring system; modifying existing wells; drilling new wells; and, treatment. Several treatment alternatives are discussed that include electrodialysis, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis. Two case studies are given.