Bromide measurement context
Bromide is one of the six anions in this group. Bromate, a by-product of drinking water disinfection, is a different test (EPA Method 300.1) and is not part of this group.
Chloride measurement context
EPA lists chloride among its secondary drinking water standards, which deal with aesthetic effects rather than health; the effect it names is a salty taste. Reported as the chloride ion.
Fluoride measurement context
Fluoride appears in both EPA’s primary drinking water standards and its secondary (aesthetic) standards. Reported as the fluoride ion.
Nitrate measurement context
EPA regulates nitrate in public drinking water measured as nitrogen, and lists runoff from fertilizer use, leaking septic tanks and sewage, and erosion of natural deposits as sources. EPA Method 300.0 also expresses nitrate as nitrogen (nitrate-N); a result can instead be expressed as the nitrate ion, so tell us which basis you need. Nitrate-N is about 0.226 times the same amount expressed as nitrate ion.
Nitrite measurement context
EPA regulates nitrite in public drinking water measured as nitrogen, with the same listed sources as nitrate. EPA Method 300.0 also expresses nitrite as nitrogen (nitrite-N); a result can instead be expressed as the nitrite ion, so tell us which basis you need. Nitrite-N is about 0.304 times the same amount expressed as nitrite ion.
Sulfate measurement context
EPA lists sulfate among its secondary drinking water standards; the effect it names is a salty taste. Reported as the sulfate ion.
Keep species and units explicit
Identify the individual ions and the requested reporting basis. Nitrate, nitrite and combined measurements should not be treated as interchangeable, and nitrogen-basis results differ from compound-basis results.
Include the complete project requirement
Provide the matrix, target analytes, required method, fraction, units and reporting limits. Include the permit or monitoring instructions where results will support a regulatory submission. Naming this method does not establish blanket compliance eligibility.
Resolve collection before sampling
Use the bottle, preservation and delivery instructions assigned to the agreed scope. Identify each location and collection time, and document any deviation. The final analytical plan must fit the submitted material and its intended use.
Related testing & guidance
Technical & service references
Vanguard service detailsSource review: November 8, 2026. The agreed method and project scope govern the testing.