Lenox Township PA, DEP Pollution Determination Letters against Cabot, Combined OCR

The following represents a completed Freedom to Know Act requestsubmitted to the PA DEP, received on or about Dec 3, 2012.

This document represents combined documents:

Cabot O&G Stalter Nov 9-19-11.pdf (4 pages)Stalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Chichura 000.jpg Stalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Chichura 001.jpgStalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Como 000.jpgStalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Como 001.jpgStalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Jensen 000.jpgStalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Jensen 001.jpgStalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Rozell 000.jpgStalter Dertomation Complaint Contamination - Rozell 001.jpgPSU - How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report.pdf (4 pages)

The last document was obtained here: http://www.environmentalservicelab.com/docs/PSU%20-%20How%20to%20Interpret%20a%20Water%20Analysis%20Report.pdf

All are 1 page document scans, except where noted.

16 pages total + this cover page.

These were processed by an OCR program, to allow the text to be searchable.

Pennsylvania DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

NORTHCENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE

September 19, 2011

NOTICE OF VIOLATION

CERTIFIED MAIL NO. 7010 2780 0001 8652 0148

Mr. Phil Stalnaker Cabot Oil and Gas Five Penn Center West Suite 401 Pittsburgh, PA 15276

Re: Gas Migration Investigation Lenox Township, Susquehanna County

Dear Mr. Stalnaker:

On August 16, 2011, the Department received a complaint of methane being present in a private water supply serving a residence located in Lenox Township, Susquehanna County. The private water supply is located approximately 1,400 feet from the gas well pad housing the Stalter 1H Well, Permit 115-20517, the Stalter 2H Well, Permit 115-20496, and the Stalter 8V Well, Permit 115-20457. The Department investigated and collected samples at this private water supply on both August 16 & 18,2011. Methane levels in the private water supply increased from 0.290 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) in the pre-drill sample collected on November 11, 2010, to 49.200 mg/L in a sample collected on August 16, 2011, and 57.600 mg/L in a sample collected on August 18,2011, Combustible gas was also detected in the headspace of the affected private water supply well. Additionally, inspections of your company's three natural gas wells referenced above on August 18, 2011, documented the presence of natural gas between the various casing strings of the three wells. On September 15, 2011, the Department reviewed a down hole video of the Stalter 8 V Well which documented the improper construction of the 5 inch casing string.

In light of the information gathered to date, the Department has identified the following violations of the Oil and Gas Act, 58 P.S. § 601.101 et seq., and the Clean Streams Law, 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq., and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder:

1. Failure to prevent the migration of gas or other fluids into sources of fresh groundwater

208 West Third Street | Suite 101 | Williamsport, PA 17701-6448

570.327.3636 | Fax 570.327.3565 Printed on Recycled paper www.depweb.state.pa.us

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us

Mr. Phil Stalnaker -2- September 19, 2011

Our investigation revealed that Cabot Oil and Gas has caused or allowed gas from lower formations to enter fresh groundwater in Lenox Township, Susquehanna County. This is a violation of 25 PA Code § 78.81(a)(2) and (3), which state, in part:

"The operator shall conduct casing and cementing activities under this section and §§ 78.82-78.87 .... The operator shall case and cement a well to accomplish the following: ... (2) Prevent the migration of gas or other fluids into sources of fresh groundwater. (3) Prevent pollution or diminution of fresh groundwater."

2. Defective Casing or Cementing

Our investigation revealed that Cabot Oil and Gas failed to report the defective, insufficient, or improperly cemented casing. This is a violation of the Department's regulations, 25 Pa Code §78.86(a) which provides:

"In a well that has defective, insufficient or improperly cemented casing, the operator shall report the defect to the Department within 24 hours of discovery by the operator and shall correct the defect. The operator shall correct the defect or submit a plan to correct the defect for approval by the Department within 30 days. If the defect cannot be corrected or an alternate method is not approved by the Department, the well shall be plugged under §§ 78.91 -78 .98 (relating to plugging).

3. Unpermitted discharge of polluting substances

Our investigation revealed that Cabot Oil and Gas has caused or allowed the unpermitted discharge of natural gas, a polluting substance, to waters of the Commonwealth. This is a violation of Section 401 of the Clean Streams Law, 35 P.S. § 691.401, which provides:

"It shall be unlawful for any person or municipality to put or place into any of the waters of the Commonwealth, or allow or permit to be discharged from property owned or occupied by such person into any waters of the Commonwealth, any substance of any kind or character resulting in pollution as herein defined."

A violation of the Oil and Gas Act or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder is contrary to Sections 505 and 509 of that Act, for which the Department could institute administrative, civil, and/or criminal proceedings. The Act provides for up to $25,000 in civil penalties plus $1,000 for each day of continued violation, up to $300 in summary criminal penalties, and up to $5,000 in misdemeanor criminal penalties for each violation. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.

A violation of the Clean Streams Law or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder is contrary to Sections 602 and 611 of that Act, for which the Department could institute administrative, civil, and/or criminal proceedings. The Act provides for up to $10,000 per day in civil penalties, up to $10,000 in summary criminal penalties, and up to $25,000 in misdemeanor criminal penalties for each violation. Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.


Please provide a written response within 30 days of receipt of this letter, as to when the above listed violations were, or will be corrected, and what steps are being taken to prevent their recurrence. The Department requests that your response be in the form of a summary report of your investigation as required by 25 PA Code § 78.89, and that it include:

• Efforts taken, or planned to be taken, to mitigate the problem both at the gas wells and in the areas impacted by the migration including homes, wells, surface waters and subsurface soils;

• A plan to correct the defective casing for approval by the Department;

• On-going measures that will be needed to maintain public safety as a result of the gas migration;

• An explanation of the cause of the gas migration. Please discuss casing pressures and monitoring prior to and during the incident; evidence indicating which well is the likely source of the migration; the hydrologic connection of formations below the depth (or depths) of the surface casings and the surface expression of gas detection; information relative to the specification of the casing pipe utilized for the nearby wells. Please provide copies of all casing and cement information and field documents, daily drilling reports and digital copies of all logging information obtained above the kick off point, i.e. mud log, open hole electric logs, cement bond logs, all down hole videos, etc. At a minimum, this information should be provided for the wells located on the Stalter well pad location, but also for any other nearby Cabot Oil 8c Gas gas wells that are suspected as potential sources;

• Preventative measures that will be utilized to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. Include any changes to well construction/materials that Cabot Oil & Gas will employ; also include any changes to casing pressure monitoring, venting, or other relevant practices and procedures.

All reports submitted in accordance with the above requirements that contain an analysis of geological or engineering data shall be prepared and sealed by a geologist or engineer licensed in this Commonwealth.

This Notice of Violation is neither an order nor any other final action of the Department of Environmental Protection. It neither imposes nor waives any enforcement action available to the Department under any of its statutes. If the Department determines that additional action is appropriate, you will be notified of when the Department takes that action.


Shouid you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by telephone at 570.327.0553 or by electronic mail at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Marc B. Cooley Environmental Group Manager Oil and Gas Management Scranton District Office

cc: Jennifer Means Marc B. Cooley Kevin P. Costello Stephen Watson Eric Rooney NCRO File

mailto:[email protected]

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTHCENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE

September 21, 2011


Andrew Chichura 9345 State Route 106 Kingsley, PA 18826

Re: Act 223, Section 208 Determination Complaint No. 282431 Lenox Township, Susquehanna County

Dear Mr. Chichura;

The Department has investigated the possible degradation of your water supply well located at 9345 State Route 106, Lenox Township, Susquehanna County in response to an 8/16/2011 complaint that recent gas well drilling activities may have affected your water well. On 8/16/2011 and 8/18/2011, the Department collected samples from your water supply. The samples were submitted to the Department's laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis. The analytical reports for the samples are included, as well as documents that will assist you with interpreting the sample results. The sample results showed methane was present at 49.20 milligrams per Liter (mg/L) on 8/16/2011 and 57,60 mg/L on 8/18/2011 in your water supply. Combustible gas was also detected in the headspace of your water well. The Department investigation indicates that gas well drilling has impacted your water supply.

Methane is the predominant component of natural gas. Federal water standard limitations have not been established for methane gas. The level of concern begins above 28 mg/L methane, which is referred to as the saturation level. At this level, under normal atmospheric pressure, the water cannot hold additional methane in solution. This may allow the gas to come out of the water and concentrate in the air space of your home or building. There is a physical danger of fire or explosion due to the migration of natural gas into water wells or through soils into dwellings where it could be ignited by sources that are present in most homes/buildings. Natural gas can also cause a threat of asphyxiation, although this is extremely rare.

•When the Department is made aware of methane levels greater than 7 mg/L, we notify the water supply owner of the hazards associated with methane in their water supply. Please be aware however, that the methane levels can fluctuate. This means that even with a relatively low level of methane, you should be vigilant of changes in your water that could indicate an increase in methane concentration.

208 West Third Street, Suite 101 | Williamsport, PA 17701-6448

570.327.3636 Fax 570.327.3565 Printed on Recycled Paper www.depweb.state.pa.us


Mr. Andrew Chichura - 2 - 9/21/2011

It is the Department's recommendation that all water wells should be equipped with a working vent, This will help alleviate the possibility of concentrating these gases in areas where ignition would pose a threat to life or property. Please note that it is not possible to completely eliminate the hazards of having natural gas in your water supply by simply venting your well.

The Department is continuing to work to permanently resolve this issue. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact Eric Rooney at 570-346-5543.

Sincerely,Jennifer W, Means

Environmental Program Manager

Oil and Gas Management

Enclosures: Laboratory Analytical Results "How to Interpret A Water Analysis Report"

cc: Jennifer Means Marc B. Cooley William J. Kosmer, P.G. Eric Rooney Ryan Klemish Complaint File 282431 Chichura File

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

DISTRICT OIL & GAS OPERATIONS

March 2, 2012

John Como 1723 Royal Road East Meadow, NY 11554


Re: Act 223, Section 208 Determination Lenox Township, Susquehanna County

Dear Mr. Como;

The Department has investigated the possible degradation of your water supply well located at 505 Creek Road, Lenox Township, Susquehanna County in response to a report that recent gas well drilling activities may have affected your water well. On 10/19/2011, the Department collected samples from your water supply. The samples were submitted to the Department's laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis. The sample results showed manganese in your water at 0.26 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This concentration exceeds the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 0.05 mg/L for manganese. SMCLs are guidelines regulating compounds that may cause aesthetic effects (taste, odor, color) in drinking water. In addition, the sample results showed methane was present at 17.10 mg/L in your water supply. The Department investigation indicates that gas well drilling has impacted your water supply.

Methane is the predominant component of natural gas. Federal water standard limitations have not been established for methane gas. The level of concern begins above 28 mg/L methane, which is referred to as the saturation level. At this level, under normal atmospheric pressure, the water cannot hold additional methane in solution. This may allow the gas to come out of the water and concentrate in the air space of your home or building. There is a physical danger of fire or explosion due to the migration of natural gas into water wells or through soils into dwellings where it could be ignited by sources that are present in most homes/buildings, Natural gas can also cause a threat of asphyxiation, although this is extremely rare.

When the Department is made aware of methane levels greater than 7 mg/L, we notify the water supply owner of the hazards associated with methane in their water supply, Please be aware however, that the methane levels can fluctuate. This means that even with a relatively low level of methane, you should be vigilant of changes in your water that could indicate an increase in methane concentration.

It is the Department's recommendation that all water wells should be equipped with a working vent. This will help alleviate the possibility of concentrating these gases in areas where ignition

208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701-6448

570.327.3636) Fax 570.327.3565 Printed on Recycled Paper www.depweb.state.pa.us


Mr. John Como - 2 - March 2, 2012

would pose a threat to life or property. Please note that it is not possible to completely eliminate the hazards of having natural gas in your water supply by simply venting your well.


Environmental Program Manager Oil and Gas Management


cc: Jennifer Means Marc B. Cooley William J. Kosmer, P,G. Eric Rooney Ryan Klemish Complaint File Como File

Sincerely,

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DISTRICT OIL & GAS OPERATIONS

September 11, 2012

Norman and Dorothy Jensen 34 Knollview Drive Asheville, NC 28806


Re: 58 Pa. C.S § 3218 Determination Complaint ID 290453 Lenox Township, Susquehanna County

Dear Mr. Jensen:

The Department has investigated the possible degradation of your water supply well located at 9761 State Route 106 Kingsley, Susquehanna County, in response to a report that recent gas well drilling activities may have affected your water well.

On 7/5/2012, the Department collected samples from your water supply. The samples were submitted to the Department's laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis. The sample results showed methane was present at 20.10 mg/1 in your water supply, In addition, ethane was detected at 0.489 mg/1 in your water supply. The Department's investigation indicates that gas well drilling has impacted your water supply.

Methane is the predominant component of natural gas. Federal water standard limitations have not been established for methane gas. The level of concern begins above 28 mg/1 methane, which is referred to as the saturation level. At this level, under normal atmospheric pressure, the water cannot hold additional methane in solution. This may allow the gas to come out of the water and concentrate in the air space of your home or building. There is a physical danger of fire or explosion due to the migration of natural gas into water wells or through soils into dwellings where it could be ignited by sources that are present in most homes/buildings. Natural gas can also cause a threat of asphyxiation, although this is extremely rare.

When the Department is made aware of methane levels greater than 7 mg/1, we notify the water supply owner of the hazards associated with methane in their water supply. Please be aware however, that the methane levels can fluctuate. This means that even with a relatively low level of methane, you should be vigilant of changes in your water that could indicate an increase in methane concentration.

It is the Department's recommendation that all water wells should be equipped with a working vent. This will help alleviate the possibility of concentrating these gases in areas where ignition would pose a threat to life or property. Please note that it is not possible to completely eliminate the hazards of having natural gas in your water supply by simply venting your well.

208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701-6448 Printed on Recycled Paper

570.327.3636 | Fax 570.327.3565 www.depweb.state.pa.us


Norman and Dorothy Jensen - 2 - September 11,2012

The Department is continuing to work to permanently resolve this issue. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact Eric Rooney at 570.346.5543.

Gas Manager Bureau of District Oil and Gas Operations


cc: Jennifer Means Marc Cooley William J. Kosmer, P.G. Eric Rooney Ryan Klemish Complaint File ID 290453 Chichura GMI File

Sincerely,

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTHCENTRAL REGIONAL OFFICE

October 11,2011

Ms. Janet Rozell 571 Creek Road Kingsley, PA 18826

CERTIFIED MAIL NO. 7009 3410 00003617 9606

Re: Act 223, Section 208 Determination Lenox Township, Susquehanna County

Dear Ms. Rozell:

The Department has investigated the possible degradation of your water supply well located at your residence at 571 Creek Road, Lenox Township, Susquehanna County. On 8/23/2011 and 9/1/2011, the Department collected samples from your water supply. The samples were submitted to the Department's laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis. The analytical reports for the samples are included, as well as documents that will assist you with interpreting the sample results. The sample results showed manganese in your water ranging from 0.14 milligrams per liter (mg/L) to 1,24 mg/L. These concentrations exceed the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 0.05 mg/L for manganese, SMCLs are guidelines regulating compounds that may cause aesthetic effects (taste, odor, color) in drinking water. In addition, the sample results showed aluminum in your water at a concentration of 1.527 mg/L. This concentration exceeds the SMCL of 0.2 mg/L for aluminum. Also, the sample results showed iron in your water ranging from 0.38 to 4.86 mg/L. These concentrations exceed the SMCL of 0.3 mg/L for iron.

The sample results showed methane was present at 25.70 mg/l on 8/23/2011 and 14.30 mg/L on 9/1/2011 in your water supply. The levels of methane in the samples taken 7/12/2010 and 12/11/2010 were substantially lower. Combustible gas was also detected in the headspace of your water well. The Department investigation indicates that gas well drilling has impacted your water supply.

Methane is the predominant component of natural gas. Federal water standard limitations have not been established for methane gas. The level of concern begins above 28 mg/l methane, which is referred to as the saturation level. At this level, under normal atmospheric pressure, the water cannot hold additional methane in solution. This may allow the gas to come out of the water and concentrate in the air space of your home or building. There is a physical danger of fire or explosion due to the migration of natural gas into water wells or through soils into dwellings where it could be ignited by sources that are present in most homes/buildings. Natural gas can also cause a threat of asphyxiation, although this is extremely rare.

Northcentral Regional Office | 208 West Third Street | Wllliamsport, PA 17701-6448

570.321.6550 | Fax 570.327.3420 Printed on Recycled Paper www.depweb.state.pa.us


Ms. Janet Rozell - 2 - October 11,2011

When the Department is made aware of methane levels greater than 7 mg/1, we notify the water supply owner of the hazards associated with methane in their water supply. Please be aware however, that the methane levels can fluctuate. This means that even with a relatively low level of methane, you should be vigilant of changes in your water that could indicate an increase in methane concentration.

It is the Department's recommendation that all water wells should be equipped with a working vent. This will help alleviate the possibility of concentrating these gases in areas where ignition would pose a threat to life or property. Please note that it is not possible to completely eliminate the hazards of having natural gas in your water supply by simply venting your well.


Oil and Gas Management


cc: Jennifer Means Marc Cooley William J. Kosmer, P.G. Eric Rooney Ryan Klemish Complaint File Rozell File

Sincerely,

F 103How to Interpret a Water Analysis Report

Paul D. Robillard, Assistant Professor of Agricultural EngineeringWilliam E. Sharpe, Professor of Forest Hydrology

Bryan R. Swistock, Extension Associate

WThis fact sheet outlines some of the major parameters you may see on the analysis and assists you in understandingthe report.

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY REPORT ******

Client: Client's name Project: Analytical Laboratory Services Date Collected: 08/28/90 Sample Identification: Kitchen Tap

Collected by: KM Project Number: CL000001 Time Collected: 7:35 am Lab Number: 01000

Analysis Results Units

Total Coliform Bacteria Nitrate-Nitrogen pH Iron Hardness as CaCo3 Sulfate Sulfur Chloride Specific Conductance

50 4.55 7.50 0.55 280 32.0 25.4 344

# /100ml mg/l units mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l umhos/cc

On the basis of the above test result(s), this water sample DOES NOT MEET PaDER drinking water standards

The following notes apply to this sample: The Total Coliform Bacteria exceeded the max. lev. of 1 colony/100ml. The Iron level exceeded the limit of 0.3 mg/l.

Submitted by:_____________________ Laboratory Manager

Figure 1. A sample water analysis report

Once the lab has completed testing yourwater, you will receive a report that lookssimilar to Figure 1. It will contain a list ofcontaminants tested, the concentrations,and, in some cases, highlight any problemcontaminants. An important feature ofthe report is the units used to measure thecontaminant level in your water.Milligrams per liter (mg/l) of water areused for substances like metals andnitrates. A milligram per liter is also equalto one part per million (ppm)—that is onepart contaminant to one million partswater. About 0.03 of a teaspoon of sugardissolved in a bathtub of water is anapproximation of one ppm. For extremelytoxic substances like pesticides, the unitsused are even smaller. In these cases,parts per billion (ppb) are used. Anotherunit found on some test reports is thatused to measure radon—picocuries perliter. Some values like pH, hardness,conductance, and turbidity are reported inunits specific to the test.

In addition to the test results, a labmay make notes on any contaminantsthat exceeded the PaDEP drinkingwater standards. For example, in Figure

hether your water causes illness, stains on plumbing, scaly deposits, or a bad taste, a water analysis (seeF 105 Where to Have Your Water Tested) identifies the problem and enables you to make knowledgeabledecisions about water treatment. What is the significance of the parameters listed in the water test report?

Features of a Sample Report

1 the lab noted that total coliform bacteria and iron both exceeded the standards.Retain your copy of the report in a safe place as a record of the quality of your water supply. If polluting

activities such as mining occur in your area, you may need a record of past water quality to prove that yoursupply has been damaged.

College of Agricultural Sciences

Agricultural and Biological EngineeringCooperative Extension

An Equal Opportunity University College of Agricultural Sciences, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Pennsylvania Counties Cooperating

Water test parameters

The following tables provide a general guideline tocommon water quality parameters that may appear onyour water analysis report. The parameters are dividedinto three categories: health risk parameters, generalindicators, and nuisance parameters. These guidelinesare by no means exhaustive. However, they willprovide you with acceptable limits and someinformation about symptoms, sources of the problemand effects. To find out more about how to treat thewater or eliminate the contaminant at the source, seerelated publication F 103 How to Interpret a WaterAnalysis Report. See the end of this publication forinformation on how to obtain additional publications.

* Recommended level in water at which remedial action should be taken. No mandatory standards have been set.

Table 1 Health Risk Parameters. The parameters inTable 1 are some commons ones that have knownhealth effects. The table lists acceptable limits,potential health effects, and possible uses and sourcesof the contaminant.

Table 2 General Water Quality Indicators areparameters used to indicate the presence of harmfulcontaminants. Testing for indicators can eliminatecostly tests for specific contaminants. Generally, if theindicator is present, the supply may contain thecontaminant as well. For example, turbidity or the lackof clarity in a water sample usually indicates thatbacteria may be present. The pH value is alsoconsidered a general water quality indicator. High orlow pHs can indicate how corrosive water is. Corrosivewater may further indicate that metals like lead orcopper are being dissolved in the water as it passesthrough distribution pipes. Table 2 shows some of thecommon general indicators.

Table 1: Standards, symptoms, and potential health effects of regulated contaminants.

Contaminant Acceptable Limit Sources/UsesPotential Health Effects at

High Concentrations

Atrazine 3ppb or .003 ppm

used as a herbicide; surface or

groundwater contamination from

agricultural runoff or leaching

heart and liver damage

Benzene 5ppb or .005 ppm

gasoline additive; usually from

accidental oil spills, industrial

uses, or landfills

blood disorders like aplasticaremia;

immune system depression; acute

exposure affects central nervous system

causing dizziness, headaches; long term

exposure increases cancer risks

Lead at tap 0.01 mg/l

used in batteries; lead gasolines

and pipe solder; may be leached

from brass faucets, lead

caulking, lead pipes, and lead

soldered joints

nervous disorders and mental

impairment, especially in fetuses and

infants; kidney damage; blood disorders

and hypertension; low birth weights

Nitrates

(NO3)

10 mg/l (nitrate-N)

45 mg/l (nitrate)

soil by-product of agricultural

fertilization; human and animal

waste leaching to groundwater

methemoglobinemia (blue baby disease)

in infants (birth-6 months); low health

threat to children and adults

Total

Coliform<1 coliform/100 ml

possible bacterial or viral

contamination from human

sewage or animal manure

diarrheal diseases, constant high level

exposure can lead to cholera and

hepatitis

Radon 300 pCi/l*

naturally occurring gas formed

from uranium decay; can seep

into well water from surrounding

rocks and be released in the air

as it leaves the faucet

breathing gas increases chances of lung

cancer; may increase risk of stomach,

colon and bladder cancers

Nuisance contaminants are a third category ofcontaminants. While these have no adverse healtheffects, they may make water unpallatable or reduce theeffectiveness of soaps and detergents. Some nuisancecontaminants also cause staining. Nuisancecontaminants may include iron bacteria, hydrogensulfide, and hardness. Table 3 shows some typicalnuisance contaminants you may see on your wateranalysis report.

Hardness is one contaminant you will also com-monly see on the report. Hard water is a purely aes-thetic problem that causes soap and scaly deposits inplumbing and decreased cleaning action of soaps anddetergents. Hard water can also cause scale buildup inhot water heaters and reduce their effective lifetime.Table 4 will help you interpret the hardness parameterscited on your analysis. Note that the units used in thistable differ from those indicated in Figure 1. Hardnesscan be expressed by either mg/l or a grains per gallon(gpg). A gpg is used exclusively as a hardness unit andequals approximately 17 mg/l or ppm. Most peopleobject to water falling in the "hard" or "very hard"categories in Table 4. However, as with all watertreatment, you should carefully consider the advantagesand disadvantages to softening before making a purchas-ing a water softener.

Table 2. General water quality indicators.

Indicator Acceptable Limit Indication

pH value 6.5 to 8.5

An important overall measure of water quality,

pH can alter corrosivity and solubility of

contaminants. Low pH will cause pitting of

pipes and fixtures or a metallic taste. This may

indicate that metals are being dissolved. At

high pH, the water will have a slippery feel or

a soda taste.

Turbidity <5 TU Clarity of sample can indicate contamination.

Total Dissolved Solids

(TDS)500 mg/l

Dissolved minerals like iron or manganese.

High TDS also can indicate hardness (scaly

deposits) or cause staining, or a salty, bitter

taste.

Additional ResourcesFor more detailed information about water

testing ask for publication Water Tests: What Do theNumbers Mean? at your local extension office orfrom the following sources.

Please access:Website: http://wqext.psu.eduEmail: [email protected]: (814) 863-1031Phone: (814) 865-7685

For more information about other OutreachPublications and Resources from the Department ofAgricultural and Biological Engineering:

Website: http://www.age.psu.eduEmail: [email protected]: Penn State

246 Agricultural Engineering Bldg.University Park, PA 16802

Phone: (814) 865-7685Fax: (814) 863-1031

PSU rev. 8/01

Table 4. Hardness classifications.

Table 3. Common nuisance contaminants and their effects.

Contaminant Acceptable Limit Effects

Chlorides 250 mg/lsalty or brackish taste; corrosive;

blackens and pits stainless steel

Copper (Cu) 1.3 mg/lblue-green stains on plumbing

fixtures; bitter metalic taste

Iron (Fe) 0.3 mg/lmetallic taste; discolored beerages;

yellowish stains, stains laundry

Manganese (Mn) 0.05 mg/l or 5 ppbblack stains on fixtures and laundry;

bitter taste

Sulfates (SO4) 250 mg/l greasy feel, laxative effect

Iron Bacteria present orangeish to brownish slime in water

Concentration of hardness minerals

in grains per gallon (GPG)Hardness Level

below 1.0 soft

1.0 to 3.5 slightly hard

3.5 to 7.5 moderately hard

7.5 to 10.5* hard

10.5 and above very hard

* level at which most people find hardness objectionable

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs,facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance,or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of theUniversity to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. ThePennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestrycolor, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania StateUniversity. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, ThePennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801, Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY.

Documents

Lenox Township PA, DEP Pollution Determination Letters against Cabot, Combined OCR