U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5132

Prepared in cooperation with the

Village of Patchogue, New York Department of State, and

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village

of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York
Cover.  Patchogue River, Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York.
Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village 

of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

By Irene J. Abbene

Prepared in cooperation with the

Village of Patchogue, New York Department of State, and 

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5132

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2010

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reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Abbene, I.J., 2010, Shallow groundwater quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York: U.S. 

Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5132, 19 p., at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2010/5132/.
iii

Figures

1. Map showing location of wells installed within the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk

County, N.Y., for groundwater-quality sampling, 2009 ...........................................................2

2. Diagram showing generalized section showing hydrogeologic units and 

generalized directions of groundwater flow on the north and south shores of 

Long Island, N.Y. ...........................................................................................................................3

Contents

Abstract ..........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1

Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................4

Methods and Approach.......................................................................................................................4

Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue ....................................................................6

Local Variations in Groundwater Quality ..........................................................................................6

Physical Properties .....................................................................................................................6

pH and Specific Conductance .........................................................................................6

Dissolved Oxygen ...............................................................................................................6

Turbidity ................................................................................................................................6

Water Temperature ............................................................................................................7

Nutrients and Organic Carbon...................................................................................................7

Nitrate ..................................................................................................................................7

Organic Carbon ..................................................................................................................7

Major Ions and Trace Elements.................................................................................................7

Chloride and Sodium ..........................................................................................................7

Calcium and Magnesium...................................................................................................7

Sulfate ..................................................................................................................................7

Potassium, Silica, and Alkalinity ......................................................................................7

Fluoride and Boron .............................................................................................................7

Dissolved Iron....................................................................................................................10

δ15N signatures ..........................................................................................................................10

Results of the 2009 Study in Relation to those from Previous Studies.......................................10

Eckhardt and Others Study ......................................................................................................10

Monti and Scorca Study...........................................................................................................11

Other Studies..............................................................................................................................11

Summary........................................................................................................................................................12

Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................................12

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................12

Appendix 1. Observation well data from, and water levels measured in, 15 shallow wells in

the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009................................................16

Appendix 2. Concentrations of detected constituents in water samples collected from 

10 shallow wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009.............17
iv

Tables

1. Minimum, median, and maximum concentrations of selected constituents

detected in shallow groundwater samples collected in the Village of Patchogue,

N.Y., March 2009............................................................................................................................9

2. Median concentrations of selected constituents in shallow groundwater collected

at the Village of Patchogue, N.Y., March 2009, and in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

in the late 1980s ..........................................................................................................................10

3. Map showing locations of wells sampled for δ15N (nitrogen) signatures and

nitrate concentrations in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., in 

March 2009 ....................................................................................................................................5

4. Graphs showing concentrations of A, nitrate, ammonia, and total nitrogen

(filtered) and B, orthophosphate, phosphorus (filtered), and organic carbon in

water samples collected from the 10 wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk

County, N.Y., March 2009 .............................................................................................................8

5. Diagram showing δ15N signatures for eight samples from wells in the Village of

Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., 2009, and ranges reported for Queens, Nassau,

and Suffolk Counties in previous studies by Kreitler (1975), Kreitler and others

(1978), and Flipse and others (1984).........................................................................................11
v

Conversion Factors, Datum, and Acronyms

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

acre 4,047 square meter (m2)

acre 0.004047 square kilometer (km2)

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2

) 

Flow rate

gallon per day (gal/d) 0.003785 cubic meter per day (m3/d)

million gallons per day (Mgal/d) 0.04381 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 

(NAVD 88).

Elevation, as used in this report, refers to distance above the vertical datum.

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius 

(μS/cm at 25 °C).

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) 

or micrograms per liter (μg/L).

Acronyms used in this report 

LRL Laboratory Reporting Level 

MCL Maximum Contamination Level 

NWQL USGS National Water Quality Laboratory 

NYSDOH New York State Department of Health 

SSER South Shore Estuary Reserve 

SCDHS Suffolk County Department of Health Services 

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

USGS U.S. Geological Survey
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, 

Suffolk County, New York

By Irene J. Abbene

a population of approximately 12,000 (Long Island Power 

Authority, 2008) on the south shore of eastern Long Island 

(fig. 1), Suffolk County, N.Y. The Village lies along Great 

South Bay and is bordered by Tuthills Creek to the west, 

Bay Avenue to the east, and N.Y. State Route 27 (Sunrise 

Highway) to the north. Great South Bay is part of the South 

Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER), which includes several small, 

shallow embayments. Great South Bay is protected from the 

Atlantic Ocean by a series of barrier islands but is connected 

to it through several inlets between the barrier islands. The 

SSER extends about 80 mi (129 km) eastward from Reynolds 

Channel in Nassau County to the eastern end of Shinnecock 

Bay in Suffolk County (fig. 1). 

Long Island is underlain by permeable glacial 

sediments of Pleistocene age which are, in turn, underlain 

by unconsolidated Atlantic Coastal Plain sediments; these 

sediments comprise a sole-source regional aquifer system. 

Precipitation is the principle source of freshwater recharge 

to the aquifer system; water recharged near the groundwater 

divide flows vertically into deeper parts of the system, whereas 

water recharged nearer the coast, including the Village 

of Patchogue, flows through shallow parts of the aquifer 

system (mainly the upper glacial aquifer) and discharges 

into coastal streams and estuaries. Shallow-groundwater 

discharge represents about 78 percent (63,000 Mgal/yr) 

of the total groundwater discharged from the south shore 

of Long Island to the SSER (Monti and Scorca, 2003). A 

generalized hydrogeologic section of Long Island is given 

in figure 2. The Patchogue River system includes both tidal 

and non-tidal reaches, both of which receive groundwater 

discharge; freshwater inputs into the brackish, tidal portions 

of the river include direct groundwater discharge and 

freshwater streamflow.

Shallow groundwater that discharges to the Patchogue 

River and Great South Bay may include elevated 

concentrations of nutrients (mainly nitrate from fertilizers 

and septic effluent from onsite wastewater-disposal systems), 

pathogens, organic compounds, and other substances related 

to human activities. At present (2010), little is known about 

the site-specific effects of onsite wastewater-disposal systems 

on shallow groundwater near the Patchogue River; however, 

previous studies have shown that onsite disposal of wastewater 

Abstract 

The onsite disposal of wastewater within the Patchogue 

River Basin—a riverine estuary that discharges into Great 

South Bay, Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y. —has adversely 

affected water quality and aquatic habitats within both 

the tidal and non-tidal portions of the river. In response to 

increased development within the approximately 14 square 

mile basin, the Village of Patchogue has expanded efforts to 

manage and protect the local groundwater resources, which 

sustain freshwater base flow and aquatic habitats. Waterquality samples from 10 shallow wells within the Village 

were collected in March 2009, before the start of seasonal 

fertilizer application, to document the effects of onsite 

wastewater disposal on groundwater discharging into the 

Patchogue River. Each sample was analyzed for physical 

properties (pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and 

temperature), nutrients, organic carbon, major ions, and trace 

elements. Water samples from eight wells were analyzed for 

stable isotopes of nitrogen. The nitrate concentration in one 

well was 40 milligrams per liter (mg/L), which exceeded the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and New 

York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) maximum 

contamination level in drinking water of 10 mg/L. Sodium 

concentrations at nine wells exceeded the USEPA Drinking 

Water Advisory Taste Threshold of 60 mg/L. Dissolved 

iron concentrations at three wells exceeded the NYSDOH 

and USEPA Secondary Drinking Water Standard of 

300 micrograms per liter (μg/L). Nitrogen isotope signatures 

(δ15N) were determined and compared with those reported 

from previous studies in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to 

identify possible sources of the nitrate. Local variations in 

measured ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and 

organic carbon concentrations and δ15N signatures indicate 

that nitrate enters the surficial aquifer from several sources 

(fertilizer, septic waste, and animal waste) and reflects 

biogeochemical processes such as denitrification. 

Introduction

The Village of Patchogue is a residential community 

that encompasses an area of about 2.5 mi2 (6.5 km2) with 
2 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

Figure 1. Location of wells installed within the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., for groundwater-quality 

sampling, 2009.

Sunrise Highway (Rt 27)

Shinnecock 

Bay

Connecticut

New York

New 

Jersery

Long Island Sound

Great South 

Reynolds Channel Bay Atlantic Ocean

Study Area

Long Island Suffolk Nassau County County

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 2000, 1:24,000

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18

S128339

S128338

S128341

S128340

S128394

S128330

S128331

S128332

S128333

S128334

S128335

S128336

S128337

S128392

S128393

Patchogue 

River

Tuthills Creek

Great South Bay

Bay Avenue

Rider Ave

Patchogue 

Lake

West 

Lake

Sunrise Highway (Rt 27)

Swa

n

River

EXPLANATION

Unsampled shallow well

Study area

Shallow well from which water

 samples were collected 

 and identifier

Approximate boundary of the 

 Village of Patchogue 

Road

S128330

S128340

73°02' 73°01' 73°

40°47'

40°46'

40°45'

0

600 1,200 METERS

2,000 4,000 FEET

0
Introduction 3

Figure 2. Generalized section showing hydrogeologic units and generalized directions of groundwater flow on the 

north and south shores of Long Island, N.Y. (Adopted from Monti and Scorca, 2003, fig. 3.). 

SEA

LEVEL

400

200

600

800

1,000

1,200

400

200

1,400

1,600

1,800

2,000

2,200

2,400

SALTWATE R INTE R F AC

? E

?

80

80

70

70

60

60

50

50

40

30

20

10

40 30 20

Long Island

Sound Atlantic Ocean

South

Shore

Estuary

Reserve

Lloyd

Aquifer

Magothy

Aquifer

Gardiners

Upper glacial Aquifer

Bedrock

SOUTH

FEET

(Scale is approximate) 40 30

20

10

Salty ground water

40 Equipotential line, in feet

 above sea level

Inferred path of ground-

 water flow

EXPLANATION

NORTH

Water

table

Regional groundwater divide

Clay

Raritan

 Confining

 Unit

5 MILES

5 KILOMETERS

0

0

Vertical scale greatly exaggerated

Saltwater interface—Position

 is estimated
4 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

generally leads to increased concentrations of nitrate and other 

anthropogenic compounds (Katz and others, 1980; Flipse 

and others, 1984; Leblanc, 1984; and Eckhardt and others, 

1989). Recent suburban development within the Patchogue 

River watershed could pose a threat to the quality of river 

water and aquatic habitats. The Village of Patchogue, which 

encompasses about 18 percent of the Patchogue River Basin, 

has expanded efforts to manage and protect groundwater 

resources that sustain freshwater flow and aquatic habitats. 

Of particular concern are increases in nutrient concentrations 

(nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and phosphorus), which can lead 

to eutrophication in receiving waters. Among the undesirable 

effects of eutrophication are an increase in water turbidity, 

odors at low tide, algal blooms, and a decrease in dissolved 

oxygen concentration, which can result in fish and shellfish 

mortality (Massachusetts Department of Environmental 

Protection and University of Massachusetts, 2010; Howarth 

and Marino, 2006). The Village has begun to develop a Local 

Waterfront Revitalization Plan (Patchogue Village, 2008) that 

will guide efforts to improve water quality of the Patchogue 

River and the adjacent Great South Bay estuary; information 

on the effects of onsite wastewater disposal on groundwater 

quality and on water quality of the Patchogue River is central 

to this effort. The particular area of concern is in the southcentral section of the Village of Patchogue (fig. 1). The study 

area is bounded by the Patchogue River to the west, Amity and 

Carman Streets to the north, Rider Avenue to the east, and the 

Great South Bay to the south (fig. 3).

 An assessment of the possible sources of elevated 

concentrations of nutrients in the Patchogue River requires a 

characterization of the chemical quality of the groundwater 

that discharges into the river. Monti and Scorca (2003) noted 

an overall decrease in nitrogen concentrations in shallow 

(<125 ft deep) groundwater eastward from Nassau County 

to Shinnecock Bay within 1 mi of the SSER. The elevated 

nitrogen concentrations in the west (Nassau County) were 

attributed to increased human activity (septic waste and (or) 

fertilized turf); therefore, any observed eastward increase trend 

in nitrogen concentrations may be attributed to development. 

Some studies analyzed the isotope signatures of nitrogen 

(δ15N) in groundwater to identify the probable source(s) of 

nitrate. Nitrate from septic waste has a typical δ15N signature 

between 7 and 12 parts per thousand (‰), whereas nitrate 

from chemical fertilizer has a range between 1 and 7 ‰ 

(Kreitler and others, 1978; Flipse and others, 1984; and Hinkle 

and others, 2007). At the present time (2010), the Village of 

Patchogue does offer the option for some residents to connect 

to the Village’s sewer system; however, not all residents have 

chosen to connect to the sewer system. 

In 2008, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in 

cooperation with the Village of Patchogue, New York 

Department of State, and Suffolk County Department of 

Health Services, began a 15-month study to (1) collect and 

analyze water samples from 10 newly installed shallow 

wells within the nearshore (south-central region) section of 

the Village of Patchogue, and (2) compare these data with 

published records from nearby (sewered and unsewered) areas 

that have similar land uses in an effort to identify the principal 

sources of nitrate that are discharging into the Patchogue River 

and SSER through groundwater transport. 

Purpose and Scope

This report (1) describes the methods used in this study, 

(2) presents a discussion of the water-quality data collected 

during March 2009 in relation to State and Federal standards, 

(3) presents nitrogen-isotope data to give an indication of 

the probable source of nitrate detected in groundwater, and 

(4) presents a comparison of the collected sample data with 

records from areas with land use similar to that of Village of 

Patchogue (high- and medium-density residential) in sewered 

and unsewered parts of Nassau and Suffolk County. The 

data are summarized in tables and graphs; observation well 

data, water levels, and concentrations of all constituents are 

listed in appendices 1 and 2 and are available on the National 

Water Information System (NWIS) webpage (U.S. Geological 

Survey, http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis).

Methods and Approach

Fifteen observation wells cased in polyvinyl chloride 

(PVC) were installed within the Village of Patchogue in 

2008 (fig 1). Criteria for the observation well locations were 

(1) proximity to known locations of onsite wastewaterdisposal systems; (2) adequate distance from other features 

that could affect groundwater quality, such as contaminant 

plumes, point discharges, and stormwater recharge basins; 

and (3) shallow depth to water (the water table is no more 

than 10 ft below land surface). Wellhead (or top of casing) 

elevations for all observation wells were surveyed in reference 

to North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) and 

were based on a differential Global Positioning System (GPS) 

benchmark set at one well location. 

The 15 new wells were drilled under the auspices of the 

Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS); 

USGS technicians documented the hydrogeologic conditions 

and recorded well-construction data. Wells were drilled to 

a depth of about 2 ft below the observed water table, and a 

2-ft screen extending from the top of the saturated zone was 

installed in each well to ensure that the water sample would 

reflect any potential human contamination that was present. 

Of the 15 wells, 10 wells were installed to be sampled and 

5 were to be used as alternates in case some wells were 

unsuitable for sampling. Also, the alternates could be used for 

future research.

Groundwater that discharges into the river channel near 

its banks originates near the river, follows short flow paths, 

and has a short residence time (Modica and others, 1998). 

Therefore, the residential area located near the river could be a 

potential source of contaminants entering the Patchogue River. 

Wells were placed near the river within the residential area of 
Introduction 5

Figure 3. Locations of wells sampled for δ15N (nitrogen) signatures and nitrate concentrations in the Village of Patchogue, 

Suffolk County, N.Y., in March 2009. 

S128330

S128331

S128332

S128333

S128335

S128334

S128336

S128392

S128393

S128337

0

0

500 1,000 FEET

150 300 METERS

Shallow well from which

 water samples were collected

 and identifier—Upper

 number is δ15 N signature, 

 per mil. The bottom

 number is Nitrate 

 concentration, in milligrams

 per liter.

Less than

S128337 0.37

40.0

Sewer main

Road

EXPLANATION

6.82

3.64

12.71

0.98

27.86

1.31

7.75

3.97

4.27

5.16

17.53

1.96

NA

< 0.04

NA

< 0.04

8.70

0.48

Great South Bay

Patchogue River

0.37

40.0

Base from U.S. Geological Survey, 2000, 1:6,500

Universal Transverse Mercator projection, Zone 18

Amity Street

Carman Street

Rider Avenue

73°01'

40°45'

40°45'10"

73°00'50"

40°45'20"
6 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

concern to determine the potential amount of contaminants 

discharging into the Patchogue River.

Water levels were measured in each well prior to 

sampling. Water samples were collected during March 18–25, 

2009, for chemical analysis from 10 wells in accordance with 

standard USGS methods as described in the USGS National 

Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data (U.S. 

Geological Survey, variously dated). The physical properties 

monitored at each well were water temperature, pH, dissolved 

oxygen concentration, specific conductance, and turbidity. 

Samples were analyzed at the USGS National Water Quality 

Laboratory (NWQL) in Denver, Colo., for nutrients (filtered 

and unfiltered samples), organic carbon, major ions, and 

trace elements. Additional samples were analyzed for δ15N 

signatures at the USGS Stable Isotope Laboratory in Reston, 

Va. Samples were collected once at all 10 sites for comparison 

with quality-assurance/quality-control (QA/QC) samples 

(1 equipment blank and 1 field blank) to confirm uniform 

sample collection and handling. 

Water samples were collected in March 2009, shortly 

before the professional application of lawn fertilizer is 

permitted for the growing season (April 1 to October 31) in 

Suffolk County, to minimize the potential effect of fertilizer 

application on nitrate concentrations. At the time of sampling, 

5 of the 10 sampling sites were in areas where residents were 

offered the option to connect to the Village’s sewer system, 

but not all of the residents had chosen to connect to the 

sewer system.

Shallow Groundwater Quality in the 

Village of Patchogue 

The chemical signature of effluent plumes from onsite 

wastewater-disposal systems in sandy glacial aquifers has been 

studied in detail and is typified by elevated concentrations of 

most major ions, nitrate, and possibly phosphorus, depending 

on the age of the septic system (Kreitler and others, 1978; 

Ragone and others, 1981; Flipse and others, 1984; LeBlanc, 

1984; Robertson and other, 1991; Robertson and others, 1996; 

Heisig, 1999; Hinkle and others, 2007). Detection of this 

signature in groundwater discharging to the Patchogue River 

indicates a septic-system source, although these nitrogen 

compounds may have other origins; therefore, interpretation of 

the results requires caution. 

Local Variations in Groundwater Quality

The samples collected from 10 observation wells were 

analyzed for physical properties, isotope signatures, and 

concentrations of 25 water-quality constituents. All waterquality results are presented in appendix 2 and are available 

on the NWIS webpage. Most constituents were present in 

measureable concentrations, and few had concentrations 

that were less than the laboratory reporting limit (LRL). 

The only constituent reported as not having a measurable 

concentration was carbonate (CO3) (see appendix 2). 

Concentrations reported as “estimated” are given where 

the detected concentration was less than the LRL or less 

than the lowest calibration standard (Childress and others, 

1999). Some constituent concentrations are discussed below 

in relation to maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) or 

secondary drinking-water standards established by the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) or the New York 

State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

Physical Properties

The standard USGS procedure is to monitor the physical 

properties pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, 

turbidity, and water temperature while purging water from 

observations wells. Sequential measurements of these 

parameters are used to help determine when water withdrawn 

from the well is representative of water flowing through the 

aquifer and when purging should end and sampling is to 

begin. Values reported are the median values of the last five 

sequential measurements once all parameters have stabilized 

(USGS, variously dated). 

pH and Specific Conductance 

The pH values of the 10 samples ranged from 4.3 to 6.5 

and had a median of 6.2 (appendix 2). The range for specific 

conductance was from 165 μS/cm at 25°C to 1,930 μS/cm 

at 25°C, and the median value was 757 μS/cm at 25°C. The 

highest specific conductance value (1,930 μS/cm at 25°C) 

was measured at well S128335 (fig. 1), as was the greatest 

concentration of residue on evaporation (ROE) (1,060 mg/L) 

(appendix 2). The lowest specific conductance value 

(165 μS/cm at 25°C) and the lowest ROE (107 mg/L) were 

measured at well S128334. 

Dissolved Oxygen

The median concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) 

in the 10 samples was 2.6 mg/L. The concentrations ranged 

from less than 1.0 mg/L to 7.5 mg/L (appendix 2). The lowest 

concentration (<1 mg/L) was measured at well S128335 

(fig. 1). 

Turbidity

 The MCL for turbidity, as set by the NYSDOH, is 1 

nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU). The recorded unfilteredsample values for turbidity ranged from 2 NTU to 180 NTU. 
Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue 7

Water Temperature

The median water temperature during the March 

2009 sampling period was 8.1 °C. Local variations in the 

temperature of the groundwater sample can be attributed to 

several factors, for example, direct sunlight on the measuring 

instrument, irregularities in the pumping rate, or watertemperature alteration by recent recharge from precipitation or 

operation of a sprinkler system.

Nutrients and Organic Carbon

An assessment of nutrient concentrations within the study 

area (fig. 1) of the Village of Patchogue (the area of recent 

residential development and closest to potential receiving 

waters) can give some indication of geochemical processes 

that occur in shallow groundwater before it discharges to the 

Patchogue River and Great South Bay. Nitrite concentrations 

in the groundwater samples either were less than the LRL 

or undetected. Nitrite in undisturbed systems is ultimately 

converted to nitrate through nitrification. In this report, 

therefore, nitrate concentrations refer to nitrate plus nitrite.

Nitrate 

Nitrate concentrations ranged from less than the reporting 

limit of 0.04 mg/L to 40 mg/L (appendix 2). The wide range 

indicates that several sources and geochemical factors are 

affecting the local groundwater. Some residents, where 

sewer mains are in place, have the option to hook up to the 

Village sewer district. Only 5 of the 10 sampled wells were 

along the present sewer main (fig. 3). The Mann-Whitney 

Rank Sum Test (Helsel and Hirsch, 2002) was used to test 

for a statistically significant difference between nitrate 

concentrations from wells in sewered and unsewered areas. 

The resulting T value of 23.5 is between the lower and upper 

critical values of 19 and 36, respectively, indicating that 

there is no statistically significant difference between nitrate 

concentrations in sewered areas and unsewered areas at a 

95-percent confidence interval. 

The only well at which the reported nitrate concentration 

exceeded the NYSDOH and USEPA drinking-water standard 

of 10 mg/L was S128337 (fig. 3). This well also was reported 

to have the highest concentrations of nitrate (40 mg/L as 

N), ammonia (16.2 mg/L as N), phosphorus in filtered water 

(1.91 mg/L as P), and orthophosphate (1.84 mg/L as P) (fig. 4, 

table 1). The total nitrogen concentration in filtered water from 

this well was 61.3 mg/L, the highest concentration observed 

during the study. 

Nitrate concentrations at two wells (S128334 and 

S128335, fig. 3) were less than the LRL of 0.04 mg/L (fig 4); 

nitrogen was present in these wells in the form of ammonia 

(0.325 mg/L and 2.87 mg/L, respectively). The ammonia 

concentrations for this study ranged from less than the 

reporting limit of 0.02 mg/L to 16.2 mg/L (appendix 2). 

Organic Carbon 

The highest concentration of organic carbon (18.2 mg/L) 

was measured in a sample from well S128335, and the median 

concentration for all 10 wells was 4.2 mg/L (fig. 4, table 1).

Major Ions and Trace Elements

Measured concentrations of major ions and trace 

elements can give an indication of possible sources of 

contamination present in the groundwater. The measured 

constituents are presented in table 1 and appendix 2.

Chloride and Sodium

The NYSDOH MCL of 250 mg/L for chloride was 

exceeded at two wells— S128335 (504 mg/L) and S128392 

(252 mg/L). The median chloride concentration was 170 mg/L 

(table 1); the median sodium concentration was 82 mg/L 

(table 1). The USEPA Drinking Water Advisory Taste 

Threshold for sodium (60 mg/L) was exceeded at all but one 

well (S128334). 

Calcium and Magnesium

Calcium concentrations ranged from 12.6 mg/L to 

47.9 mg/L. The lowest calcium concentration (12.6 mg/L) 

was at well S128334; the median was 36.9 mg/L (table 1). 

Magnesium concentrations ranged from 2.48 mg/L to 

15.8 mg/L; the median was 4.71 mg/L (table 1). The wells 

with the highest concentrations were S128335 and S128336 

(15.8 mg/L and 14.7 mg/L, respectively), and the well with the 

lowest concentration (2.48 mg/L) was S128334 (appendix 2). 

Sulfate

Sulfate concentrations ranged from 5.43 mg/L to 

32.8 mg/L, with a median of 18.6 mg/L (table 1). The wells 

with the highest concentrations were S128336 and S128332 

(32.8 mg/L and 26 mg/L, respectively); the wells with the 

lowest sulfate concentrations were S128334 and S128335 

(5.43 mg/L and 6.50 mg/L, respectively) (appendix 2). 

Potassium, Silica, and Alkalinity

 The sample from well S128337 contained higher 

concentrations of potassium (15.7 mg/L) and silica 

(16.1 mg/L) than the other samples (appendix 2). This well 

also had the lowest measurement of alkalinity (3 mg/L as 

calcium carbonate (CaCO3)). 

Fluoride and Boron

Fluoride was detected at well S128334 at a concentration 

of 0.20 mg/L (appendix 2); this concentration is well below 

the NYSDOH MCL of 2.2 mg/L for fluoride. Boron was the 

only constituent that was uniformly present throughout the 
8 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

Figure 4. Concentrations of A, nitrate, ammonia, and total nitrogen (filtered) and B, orthophosphate, 

phosphorus (filtered), and organic carbon in water samples collected from the 10 wells in the Village of 

Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009. (Well locations are shown in fig. 1). 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

S128330

S128331

S128332

S128333

S128334

S128335

S128336

S128337

S128392

S128393

Ammonia

Nitrate

Total nitrogen (filtered)

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

WELLS

A

B

0 5 10 15 20

S128330

S128331

S128332

S128333

S128334

S128335

S128336

S128337

S128392

S128393

Organic carbon

Phosphorus (filtered)

Orthophosphate

WELLS
Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue 9

Table 1. Minimum, median, and maximum concentrations of selected constituents detected in shallow 

groundwater samples collected in the Village of Patchogue, N.Y., March 2009.

[All values are in milligrams per liter unless specified. μg/L, micrograms per liter; <, less than; E, estimated; μS/cm, microsiemens per 

centimeter; NTU, nephelometric turbitity units; °C, degrees Celsius; CaCO3, calcium carbonate]

Constituent Minimum Median Maximum

Nutrients

Ammonia E 0.019 0.101 16.2

Nitrate < 0.04 1.64 40.0

Nitrite E 0.001 < 0.002 0.055

Orthophosphate E 0.005 < 0.008 1.84

Phosphorus, filtered E 0.003 0.007 1.91

Phosphorus, unfiltered E 0.006 0.045 2.55

Total nitrogen, filtered 0.56 2.87 61.3

Total nitrogen, unfiltered 0.60 2.83 61.2

Organic carbon 2.2 4.2 18.2

Major ions and trace elements

Acid neutralizing capacity (mg/L as CaCO3) < 8 51 112

Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) 3 55 143

Bicarbonate (mg/L as CaCO3) 6 67 174

Calcium 12.6 36.9 47.9

Magnesium 2.48 4.71 15.8

Potassium 1.70 2.67 15.7

Sodium 11 82 270

Chloride 12.4 170 504

Fluoride E 0.06 <0.08 0.20

Silica 3.9 6.6 16.1

Sulfate 5.43 18.6 32.8

Iron (μg/L) E 3 15 30,600

Boron (μg/L) 20 26 68

Physical properties

pH (standard units) 4.3 6.2 6.5

Specific conductance (μS/cm at 25°C) 165 757 1930

Dissolved oxygen <1.0 2.6 7.5

Turbidity (NTU) 2.0 6.3 180

Temperature (°C) 6.8 8.1 10.2
10 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

study area; concentrations ranged from 20 μg/L to 68 μg/L 

(appendix 2). The median concentration was 26 μg/L (table 1). 

Dissolved Iron

Dissolved iron concentrations exceeded the NYSDOH 

and USEPA secondary drinking-water standard of 300 μg/L 

at three wells—S128336 (554 μg/L), S128335 (30,600 μg/L), 

and S128334 (4,140 μg/L) (appendix 2). 

δ15N signatures 

The isotope signature of nitrogen (δ15N) is a ratio of 

the stable isotopes of nitrogen (N15/N14) of a sample to the 

N15/N14 of standard atmospheric N2 and is expressed as

δ15(‰) = (N15⁄N14 ) sample – (N15⁄N14 ) standard) ×1000 N15⁄N14 standard

Variations in N15/N14 ratios in a sample are the result of 

fractionation that occurs during biogeochemical processes. 

The relative abundance of N15 in groundwater nitrate can be 

used to distinguish potential sources of nitrate in the surficial 

aquifer. For this study in particular, enriched (positive) δ15N 

values (a greater proportion of N15/N14) denote a septic source, 

whereas as depleted (less positive or negative) δ15N values 

(a lower proportion of N15/N14) denote a fertilizer source. 

The units are given in parts per thousand (denoted as ‰or 

per mil).

Concentrations of nitrate in samples from two wells 

(S128334 and S128335) were not high enough to yield isotope 

data, but the δ15N signatures from samples at the remaining 

eight wells ranged from 0.37 ‰ to 27.86 ‰. The most 

highly enriched δ15N signature was at S128332, whereas the 

most depleted δ15N signature was at well S128337 (fig. 3; 

appendix 2). 

Results of the 2009 Study in Relation to those 

from Previous Studies

The data set from this study represents a one-week 

period (March 18–25, 2009) but nevertheless allows for 

comparison with data from previous studies in nearby areas 

to reveal possible trends in the concentrations of certain 

groundwater constituents.

Eckhardt and Others Study

 Eckhardt and others (1989) analyzed groundwater 

quality within selected land-use categories in Nassau and 

Suffolk Counties. All wells used in that analysis were screened 

in the upper glacial aquifer and had a median screened depth 

of 31 ft below the water table. Land use in the Patchogue 

study area is best described as medium- to high-density 

residential, according to the land-use definitions (based 

on number of dwellings) of Eckhardt and others (1989). 

The median chloride, calcium, and alkalinity concentration 

values obtained in this (2009) study were higher than those 

reported by Eckhardt and others (1989) (table 2). The higher 

chloride concentrations and higher median alkalinity in this 

study compared to the earlier study could be attributed to 

the Village’s proximity to salty surface water (Great South 

Bay). Sulfate and potassium concentrations in Patchogue 

in the 2009 study were between the medians for mediumand high-density residential regions of Nassau and Suffolk 

Counties in the previous study (table 2). The 2009 median 

nitrate concentration for Patchogue was less than the median 

concentrations for residential land use in the Nassau-Suffolk 

Counties study. Organic-rich soils remove nitrate from 

groundwater by denitrification. The sandy surficial aquifer 

of Long Island is typically poor in organic carbon content. 

However, organic carbon present in this study’s samples may 

Table 2. Median concentrations of selected constituents in shallow groundwater collected at the 

Village of Patchogue, N.Y., March 2009, and in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in the late 1980s. 

[All values are in milligrams per liter; CaCO3, calcium carbonate]

Constituent

This study in the 

Village of 

Patchogue 

(2009)

Nassau and Suffolk Counties 

 (Eckhardt and others, 1989)

Medium-density 

residential

High-density 

residential

Nitrate 1.64 2.9 4.6

Chloride 170 16 31

Sulfate 18.6 12 37

Potassium 2.67 1.6 4.3

Calcium 36.9 9.3 16

Alkalinity (mg/L as CaCO3) 55 15 15
Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue 11

explain the lower median concentration of nitrate within the 

Village of Patchogue in comparison to the median values 

reported by Eckhardt and others (1989). 

Monti and Scorca Study

Monti and Scorca (2003) describe geographic trends 

in total nitrogen concentrations using 1,155 samples from 

167 shallow wells (<125 ft deep) located within 1 mi of the 

south shore of Long Island. They delineated five geographic 

zones along the south shore between Nassau (two zones) and 

Suffolk Counties (three zones). Analyses were conducted on 

408 samples from 104 shallow wells (<125 ft deep) in Nassau 

County and 747 samples from 63 shallow wells in Suffolk 

County. The median total nitrogen concentration for shallow 

groundwater in Nassau County was 3.85 mg/L with a range 

of 0.008 mg/L to 40.1 mg/L, whereas the median for Suffolk 

County was 1.74 mg/L with a range of less than 0.01 mg/L to 

21.6 mg/L. The zone in which the Village of Patchogue lies 

had a median total nitrogen concentration of 2.36 mg/L with 

a range of less than 0.01 mg/L to 19.06 mg/L. The Monti and 

Scorca (2003) median total nitrogen concentration (in filtered 

shallow groundwater samples) is similar to the median for the 

Village of Patchogue, 2.87 mg/L (table 1) in this study, but 

the range in total nitrogen for this study is higher—0.56 mg/L 

to 61.3 mg/L (appendix 2)—than the range in the Monti and 

Scorca (2003) study. 

Other Studies

Several studies have correlated contributing sources of 

nitrate with land use (Katz and others, 1980; Porter, 1980) and 

with nitrogen isotope values (Kreitler and others, 1978; Flipse 

and others, 1984; and Böhlke and others, 2009). Previously 

reported nitrogen-isotope signature ranges for Long Island can 

be used to identify probable sources of nitrate in the shallow 

groundwater of the Village of Patchogue. The δ15N signature 

ranges reported in the studies named above represent water 

from the surficial aquifer located in Queens, Nassau, and 

Suffolk Counties; the ranges are summarized in figure 5. Of 

the eight samples analyzed for nitrogen isotopes in the present 

(2009) study, seven were within the ranges reported in the 

Figure 5. δ15N signatures for eight samples from wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., 2009, and ranges reported 

for Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties in previous studies by Kreitler (1975), Kreitler and others (1978), and Flipse and others 

(1984).

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Artificial fertilzer

Unfertilized

Cultivated

Animal waste

Upper glacial aquifer (SC)

Agricultural source

Upper glacial aquifer (QC)

Animal waste

Upper glacial aquifer (NC)

Septic influence

Surficial aquifer (SC)

Non-animal source

EXPLANATION

δ15N Signatures, per mil

Village of Patchogue δ (SC) Suffolk County 15 N signatures

(NC) Nassau County

(QC) Queens County

Flipse and others, 1984

Kreitler and others, 1978

Kreitler, 1975
12 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

previous studies (fig. 5). The δ15N signature in one sample 

(well S128332) exceeded the previously reported ranges, with 

an enriched nitrogen isotope value of 27.86 ‰. Comparison 

of this study’s isotope values with the previously reported 

isotope ranges indicates that the groundwater at the Village of 

Patchogue contains a mixture of nitrate from fertilizer, septic 

effluent, and animal waste. 

Summary

The Village of Patchogue is a residential community on 

the south shore of Long Island that is bordered to the south 

by the Great South Bay; the tidal and non-tidal reaches of 

the Patchogue River are within the south-central part of the 

Village. The river, which has important aquatic habitats, 

receives its water from the surface-water inflow and the direct 

discharge of shallow groundwater. 

Groundwater samples were collected from 10 shallow 

observation wells in March 2009 to define the water-quality 

conditions and assess the possible effects of onsite wastewater 

disposal. One sample was collected from each well and 

analyzed for physical properties (pH, dissolved oxygen, 

temperature, specific conductance, and turbidity) as well as for 

concentrations of nutrients, organic carbon, major ions, and 

trace elements. At well S128337, the nitrate concentration was 

40 mg/L, exceeding the USEPA drinking-water standard of 

10 mg/L. Well S128337 also had the highest concentration of 

ammonia (16.2 mg/L), phosphorus (filtered, 1.91 mg/L), and 

orthophosphate (1.84 mg/L). Chloride concentrations at wells 

S128335 and S128392 exceeded the maximum contaminant 

limit (MCL) of 250 mg/L with concentrations of 504 mg/L and 

252 mg/L, respectively. Sodium concentrations exceeded the 

USEPA Drinking Water Advisory Taste Threshold of 60 mg/L 

in samples from all wells except well S128334 (11 mg/L). 

Dissolved iron concentrations exceeded NYSDOH and 

USEPA drinking-water standards of 300 μg/L at three wells—

S128336 (554 μg/L), S128335 (30,600 μg/L), and S128334 

(4,140 μg/L).

The concentrations of chloride, calcium, and alkalinity 

measured for this study exceed the median concentrations 

present in groundwater samples from medium- to high-density 

residential areas elsewhere on Long Island; the higher chloride 

concentrations and higher median alkalinity may be due to 

the Village’s proximity to Great South Bay. The median total 

nitrogen concentration (in filtered, shallow groundwater 

samples) for wells within 1 mi of the SSER shoreline of 

the residential areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties during 

1952–97 was similar to the median for the Village of 

Patchogue wells, 2.87 mg/L, but the range for the 2009 study 

was higher, 0.56 mg/L to 61.3 mg/L. 

Wells at which a measurable amount of nitrate was 

detected also were sampled for nitrogen isotope analysis. 

δ15N signatures can give an indication of the potential nitrate 

sources within the Village. Comparison of the Village of 

Patchogue isotope values with previously reported isotope 

ranges for Long Island indicates that the groundwater in 

this study contains a mixture of nitrate from fertilizer, septic 

effluent, and animal waste.

Acknowledgments

Thanks are extended to Joseph Dean and Marian Russo 

of the Village of Patchogue, N.Y., for their assistance in 

obtaining sewer district maps for the Village of Patchogue 

and organization of meetings between all pertinent parties 

during this study. Thanks also are extended to Suffolk 

County Department of Health Services for assistance with 

well drilling. This project was made possible by funding 

from the New York Department of State, New York State 

Comptroller’s Contract number C006563. Assistance with 

water-quality sampling was provided by Tristen Tagliaferri 

and William Capurso of the USGS, and assistance with wellhead surveying was provided by Michael Noll and Simonette 

Rivera of the USGS. 

References Cited

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I., and Mroczkowski, S.J., 2009, Atacama perchlorate as 

an agricultural contaminant in groundwater—Isotopic 

and chronologic evidence from Long Island, New 

York: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 43, 

p. 5619–5625.

Childress, C.J.O., Foreman, W.T., Connor, B.F., and Maloney, 

T.J., 1999, New reporting procedures based on long-term 

method detection levels and some considerations for 

interpretations of water-quality data provided by the U.S. 

Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 99–193, 19 p.

Eckhardt, D.V., Flipse, W.J., and Oaksford, E.T., 1989, 

Relation between land use and ground-water quality in the 

Upper Glacial Aquifer in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, 

Long Island, New York: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 86–4142, 35 p.

Flipse, W.J., Katz, B.G., Lindner, J.B., and Markel, R., 1984, 

Sources of nitrate in ground water in a sewered housing 

development, central Long Island, New York: Ground 

Water, v. 22, p. 418–426. 

Heisig, P.M., 1999, Effects of residential and agricultural land 

uses on the chemical quality of base flow of small streams 

in the Croton watershed, southeastern New York: U.S. 

Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 

99–4173, 16 p. 
References Cited 13

Helsel, D.R., and Hirsh, R.M., 2002, Statistical Methods in 

Water Resources: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations 04–A3, 523 p. 

Hinkle, S.R., Böhlke, J.K., Duff, J.H., Morgan, D.S., Weick, 

R.J., 2007, Aquifer-scale controls on the distribution of 

nitrate and ammonium in ground water near La Pine, 

Oregon, USA: Journal of Hydrology, v. 333, p. 486–503. 

Howarth, R.W., and Marino, R., 2006, Nitrogen as the limiting 

nutrient for eutrophication in coastal marine ecosystems—

Evolving views over three decades: Limnology and 

Oceanography, v. 51, p. 364–376. 

Katz, B.G., Lindner, J.B., and Ragone, S.E., 1980, A 

comparison of nitrogen in shallow ground water from 

sewered and unsewered areas, Nassau County, New York, 

from 1952 through 1976: Ground Water, v. 18, p. 607–616. 

Kreitler, C.W., 1975, Determining the source of nitrate in 

ground water by nitrogen isotope studies: Austin, Texas, 

University of Texas, Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology 

Report Investigation 83, 57 p. 

Kreitler, C.W., Ragone, S.E., and Katz, B.G., 1978, N15/N14

ratios of ground-water nitrate, Long Island, New York: 

Ground Water, v. 16, p. 404–409. 

LeBlanc, D.R., 1984, Sewage plume in a sand and gravel 

aquifer, Cape Cod, Massachusetts: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Supply Paper 2218, 28 p. 

Long Island Power Authority, 2008, Population survey 2008, 

Current population estimates for Nassau and Suffolk 

Counties and the Rockaway Peninsula: Uniondale, N.Y., 

Long Island Power Authority, 64 p.

Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection and 

University of Massachusetts, 2010, The estuaries project: 

Southeastern Massachusetts embayments restoration, 

accessed January 19, 2010, at http://www.oceanscience.net/

estuaries/about.htm.

Modica, E., Buxton, H.T., and Plummer, L.N., 1998, 

Evaluating the source and residence times of groundwater 

seepage to streams, New Jersey Coastal Plain: Water 

Resources Research, v. 34, p. 2797–2810.

Monti, J., Jr., and Scorca, M.P., 2003, Trends in nitrogen 

concentration and nitrogen loads entering the South Shore 

Estuary Reserve from streams and ground-water discharge 

in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Long Island, New York, 

1952–97: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations Report 02–4255, 36 p. 

Patchogue Village, 2008, Local waterfront revitalization plan: 

Patchogue, N.Y., AKRF, Inc., and Arch Spire Architecture, 

PC, 165 p., accessed January 19, 2010, at http://www.

patchoguevillage.org/local_waterfront_revitalization.htm.

Porter, K.S., 1980, An evaluation of sources of nitrogen as 

causes of ground-water contamination in Nassau County, 

Long Island: Ground Water, v. 18, p. 617–625.

Ragone, S.E., Katz, B.G., Kimmel, G.E., and Lindner, J.B., 

1981, Nitrogen in ground water and surface water from 

sewered and unsewered areas, Nassau County, Long Island, 

New York: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources 

Investigations 80–21, 72 p.

Robertson, W.D., Cherry, J.A., and Sudicky, E.A., 1991, 

Ground-water contamination from two small septic systems 

on sand aquifers: Ground Water, v. 29, p. 82–92. 

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on a sand aquifer from an old septic system—nitrate and 

phosphate: Ground Water, v. 34, p. 1105–1114. 

U.S. Geological Survey, variously dated, National field manual 

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water.usgs.gov/twri9A).
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Appendixes 1–2

1. Observation well data from, and water levels measured in, 15 shallow wells in the 

Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009.

2. Concentrations of detected constituents in water samples collected from 10 shallow 

wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009. 
16 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

Appendix 1. Observation well data from, and water levels measured in, 15 shallow wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, 

N.Y., March 2009. 

[Measuring point is top of 2-inch polyvinyl chloride well casing. USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; NAVD88, North American Vertical Datum of 1988; NA, not 

analyzed]

Well

number

USGS 

site identification 

number 

Sampling 

date

Elevation of 

measuring point, 

in feet

(NAVD 88)

Screened zone

(feet below 

measuring point 

surface)

Depth to 

water table

(feet below 

measuring point)

Water level,

 in feet

(NAVD 88)

S128330 404532073010101 3/18/09 5.84 4.20 4.00 1.84

S128331 404525073005801 3/18/09 5.58 4.25 4.05 1.53

S128332 404519073005301 3/18/09 6.10 4.20 4.62 1.48

S128333 404513073005401 3/18/09 4.12 2.70 2.83 1.29

S128334 405000073005201 3/19/09 2.78 0.83 0.41 2.37

S128335 404507073005201 3/19/09 1.98 1.50 0.87 1.11

S128336 404458073003801 3/25/09 2.36 2.00 1.48 0.88

S128337 404530073004401 3/25/09 11.42 8.25 8.26 3.16

S128338 404544073003201 NA 13.60 10.00 NA NA

S128339 404602073003301 NA 18.98 10.00 NA NA

S128340 404515073002001 NA 4.48 2.50 NA NA

S128341 404537073001901 NA 8.14 4.20 NA NA

S128392 404509073003701 3/25/09 4.71 3.00 3.27 1.44

S128393 404519073003901 3/25/09 8.12 5.50 5.90 2.22

S128394 404459073001801 NA 2.46 2.40 NA NA
Appendix 2 17

Appendix 2. Concentrations of detected constituents in water samples collected from 10 shallow wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009. [Number in parentheses is U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code. mg/L, milligrams per liter; μS/cm at 25°C, microsiemens per centimenter at 25 degrees Celsius; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units; E, estimated; NA, not available; <, less than; CaCO3, calcium carbonate; SiO2 , silicon dioxide; μg/L, micrograms per liter; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; per mil, or in parts per thousand. Well locations are shown in figures 1 and 3]

Well 

number

Sampling 

date

Dissolved 

oxygen 

(mg/L)

pH water 

unfiltered field 

(standard 

units)

Specific

conductance 

water 

unfiltered 

(μS/cm 

at 25°C)

Temperature

water

(°C)

Turbidity

(NTU)

Residue on 

evaporation 

(mg/L)

Calcium 

water 

filtered

(mg/L)

Magnesium 

water 

filtered

(mg/L)

Potassium 

water 

filtered 

(mg/L)

Sodium 

water 

filtered

(mg/L)

(00300) (00400) (00095) (00010) (63675) (70300) (00915) (00925) (00935) (00930)

S128330 3/18/09 5.0 5.9 697 8.2 25.0 359 22.8 4.39 3.49 84.2S128331 3/18/09 6.0 4.9 637 8.0 6.0 357 14.9 4.56 2.37 87.3S128332 3/18/09 1.9 6.3 588 7.9 10.0 335 32.0 4.25 1.97 69.6S128333 3/18/09 7.5 6.2 817 9.5 4.0 443 40.1 9.32 2.96 77.8S128334 3/19/09 NA 6.3 165 6.8 6.5 107 12.6 2.48 1.70 11.0S128335 3/19/09 <1.0 6.2 1,930 7.2 5.4 1,060 39.3 15.8 7.19 270S128336 3/25/09 1.7 6.5 952 8.3 180.0 495 34.5 14.7 4.44 128S128337 3/25/09 2.6 4.3 938 10.2 2.0 510 41.2 7.82 15.7 80.5S128392 3/25/09 2.1 6.1 1,060 7.1 19.0 593 47.9 4.86 2.10 160S128393 3/25/09 6.3 6.2 657 8.4 3.0 370 39.2 3.22 1.83 80.7
18 Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York Appendix 2. Concentrations of detected constituents in water samples collected from 10 shallow wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009.— Continued [Number in parentheses is U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code. mg/L, milligrams per liter; μS/cm at 25°C, microsiemens per centimenter at 25 degrees Celsius; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units; E, estimated; NA, not available; <, less than; CaCO3, calcium carbonate; SiO2 , silicon dioxide; μg/L, micrograms per liter; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; per mil, or in parts per thousand. Well locations are shown in figures 1 and 3] Well number Sampling date Acid neutralizing capacity water unfiltered, fixed end point laboratory (mg/L as CaCO3

)

Alkalinity

water 

filtered,

inflection 

point 

titration 

field

(mg/L as 

CaCO3

)

Bicarbonate

water 

filtered, 

inflection 

point

titration 

field

(mg/L)

Carbonate 

water 

filtered, 

inflection 

point 

titration 

field

(mg/L)

Chloride

water 

filtered

(mg/L)

Fluoride

water 

filtered

(mg/L)

Silica

water 

filtered

(mg/L as SiO2

)

Sulfate 

water 

filtered (mg/L)

Ammonia

water 

filtered

(mg/L as N)

Nitrate + 

Nitrite 

water 

filtered 

(mg/L as N)

(90410) (39086) (00453) (00452) (00940) (00950) (00955) (00945) (00608) (00631)

S128330 3/18/09 32 36 44 0.0 163 <0.08 6.50 12.6 E 0.019 3.64S128331 3/18/09 <8 28 7 0.0 176 <0.08 7.00 22.4 <0.020 0.98S128332 3/18/09 59 58 71 0.0 128 <0.08 5.20 26.0 <0.020 1.31S128333 3/18/09 31 28 34 0.0 193 <0.08 3.90 16.9 <0.020 3.97S128334 3/19/09 43 51 62 0.0 12.4 0.20 15.7 5.43 0.325 <0.04S128335 3/19/09 97 143 174 0.0 504 E0.07 5.40 6.50 2.87 <0.04S128336 3/25/09 112 114 140 0.0 192 E0.09 6.70 32.8 0.101 0.48S128337 3/25/09 NA 3 6 0.0 143 <0.08 16.1 25.1 16.2 40.0S128392 3/25/09 104 104 126 0.0 252 E0.06 7.60 20.3 0.032 1.96S128393 3/25/09 68 67 82 0.0 132 <0.08 4.80 13.5 0.031 5.16
Appendix 2 19

Appendix 2. Concentrations of detected constituents in water samples collected from 10 shallow wells in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, N.Y., March 2009.—Continued[Number in parentheses is U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System (NWIS) parameter code. mg/L, milligrams per liter; μS/cm at 25°C, microsiemens per centimenter at 25 degrees Celsius; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units; E, estimated; NA, not available; <, less than; CaCO3, calcium carbonate; SiO2 , silicon dioxide; μg/L, micrograms per liter; N, nitrogen; P, phosphorus; per mil, or in parts per thousand. Well locations are shown in figures 1 and 3]

Well

number

Sampling 

date

Nitrite

water 

filtered

(mg/L as N)

Orthophosphate

water 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

Phosphorus

water 

filtered

(mg/L as P)

Phosphorus

water 

unfiltered

(mg/L as P)

Total

nitrogen

water 

filtered

by analysis

(mg/L)

Total

nitrogen

water 

unfiltered

by analysis

(mg/L)

Iron

water

(μg/L)

Boron

water

(μg/L)

Organic

carbon

water 

filtered

(mg/L)

N15/N14

in nitrate

water 

filtered

 (per mil)

(00613) (00671) (00666) (00665) (62854) (62855) (01046) (01020) (00681) (82690)

S128330 3/18/09 E0.002 E0.005 E0.005 0.046 4.16 3.75 5 26 4.0 6.82S128331 3/18/09 <0.002 <0.008 <0.006 E0.006 1.15 1.05 6 24 2.3 12.71S128332 3/18/09 0.014 <0.008 <0.006 0.028 1.56 1.44 8 36 5.1 27.86S128333 3/18/09 E0.002 <0.008 <0.006 0.015 4.61 4.17 15 25 5.5 7.75S128334 3/19/09 E0.001 0.390 0.367 0.393 0.56 0.60 4,140 25 4.4 NAS128335 3/19/09 0.005 <0.008 0.025 0.045 3.52 3.52 30,600 34 18.2 NAS128336 3/25/09 E0.002 E0.007 0.007 0.221 0.98 1.07 554 59 6.2 8.70S128337 3/25/09 0.055 1.84 1.91 2.55 61.3 61.2 14 20 3.7 0.37S128392 3/25/09 0.010 E0.006 E0.003 0.044 2.22 2.13 19 68 2.8 17.53S128393 3/25/09 <0.002 0.036 0.033 0.041 5.24 5.06 E3 24 2.2 4.27
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Prepared by the Pembroke Publishing Service Center.

For more information concerning this report, contact:

Director

U.S. Geological Survey

New York Water Science Center

425 Jordan Road

Troy, NY 12180-8349

dc_ny@usgs.gov

or visit our Web site at:

http://ny.water.usgs.gov
Abbene—Shallow Groundwater Quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York— Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5132