Uranium-Radium Sampling Variability in Shelby County
Sampling Dates and Well Depths
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in Shelby County, focusing on aquifer 124MMPS, between June 29, 2011, and January 31, 2024.
Range and Detection
Across 53 samples from 26 wells ranging 76 to 654 feet deep, uranium was detected in 11 results with concentrations ranging from 0.006 to 0.025 micrograms per liter. Detected levels were below federal thresholds.
Multi-Year Variation
Sampling over more than a decade shows uranium presence is intermittent and generally low, reflecting normal geological variation rather than a constant elevated source.
Understanding Certified Lab Tests for Uranium and Radium
What a Certified Test Reports
A certified laboratory test will provide specific concentrations of uranium and radium measured in micrograms per liter (ug/L) from your water sample.
Interpreting Your Test Results
Results must be compared to federal safety limits to assess if treatment is advisable. Detection alone does not indicate a violation or unsafe water.
Importance of Certified Testing
Because only direct testing of your own water can reveal your household’s uranium-radium levels, government data from area wells serve only as a regional reference.
Information to Gather Before Seeking Treatment
Well Depth and Source Information
Record your well's depth and water source details to help understand potential uranium-radium presence relative to regional data.
Certified Lab Test Reports
Have official lab reports on your water's uranium and radium levels ready for informed treatment planning.
Household Water Use Patterns
Note average daily water usage to select appropriately scaled treatment capacity.
Household Symptoms Related to Uranium-Radium
Signs That May Be Related
Unexplained staining on fixtures or unusual metallic taste might correlate with some water quality issues but are not definitive for uranium or radium.
Symptoms Not Indicative of Uranium-Radium
Issues such as odor, discoloration, or hardness generally do not correlate directly with uranium or radium presence.
First Affected Fixtures and Appliances
High-Contact Water Use Points
Showers and faucets often reveal changes in water taste or odor first, though these are not reliable uranium-radium indicators.
Equipment Sensitive to Minerals
Water heaters and washing machines may show impact from mineral buildup but are not specifically affected by uranium or radium.
Treatment Methodology of the Pentair Uranium & Radium System
Removal Technology
This system uses advanced filtration media that adsorb uranium and radium from water, reducing their concentration effectively.
Capacity for Household Use
Designed for residential water demands, the Pentair system has a grain capacity equivalent to 32,000 grains, supporting sustained treatment performance.
The U.S. Geological Survey data covers uranium presence in Shelby County aquifer 124MMPS from 2011 through early 2024, reflecting measurements in 26 sampled wells. For full details, refer to the government source directly.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-01-31. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.
On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Uranium in the 124MMPS aquifer (Shelby County): 53 results from 26 wells, median 0.015 ug/L, range 0.006-0.025 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.