Nine community water systems in North Whatcom County have high nitrate concentrations in their ground water supplies. Samples taken at various sites throughout the Abbotsford Aquifer, the source of ground water for all of the water systems, have frequently exceeded 10 mg/L of nitrate as nitrogen (with individual values ranging from 0.03–91.9 mg/L).
The water systems are under compliance orders to reduce the nitrate levels to meet drinking water standards.
The Washington Department of Health worked with the nearby City of Lynden to evaluate the most feasible method of reducing the high levels of nitrate for the systems. The study included at least two alternatives: (1) water system treatment and (2) water supplied by the City of Lynden. The evaluation showed from all cost standpoints that a connection to the City of Lynden was the most economical solution. Water availability associated with legal rights, however, could impact implementing the alternative (State-EPA Nutrient Innovations Task Group 2009).
Reference:
State-EPA Nutrient Innovations Task Group. 2009. An Urgent Call to Action – Report of the State-EPA Nutrient Innovations Task Group. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed October 2016. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/nitgreport.pdf.