Understanding Laboratory Test Reports for Uranium-Radium
Certified lab tests measure alpha particle activity to indicate uranium and radium presence
A certified laboratory test for uranium and radium in your household water typically reports alpha particle levels, measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This quantifies radioactive decay particles emitted by these elements but does not directly specify uranium or radium concentrations. Your test report will provide a numeric value representing this activity level. Knowing this value helps assess if your water requires treatment, but only a specific test of your water source can identify your own level.
Alpha particle activity levels guide water treatment decisions but are not safety violations by themselves
A measured alpha particle activity is a detection of radioactive emissions. It is important to understand that detection alone does not indicate unsafe water or regulatory violation. Treatment considerations depend on how your test compares to federal and local guidelines, not just presence or absence.
What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in Madison County Sampling
All samples in the Madison County aquifer 110QRNR detected alpha particles, with no samples below reporting limits
Government sampling from 10 wells between 2013 and 2015 showed alpha particle activity in every tested instance, reflecting consistent occurrence of uranium and radium in the area’s groundwater. None were below the laboratory’s reporting limit, indicating reliable detection.
Median and range values provide an area-level overview, not individual well specifics
The median alpha particle activity in this aquifer was 1.8 pCi/L, with individual samples ranging from -0.4 (a statistical adjustment) to 4.2 pCi/L. These numbers summarize the collective findings from wells 17 to 102 feet deep but do not indicate your own water’s level.
No samples exceeded federal thresholds in this dataset
None of the sampled wells’ results surpassed any federal alpha particle limits. This means the area's groundwater generally aligns with established guidance but does not guarantee individual well results.
Adjustments for Larger Households, Second Homes, or Seasonal Properties
Water use volume may influence the choice and sizing of treatment solutions
Larger households or properties requiring more water could need a treatment system sized to handle increased flow and capacity. The documented C-Series Uranium & Radium System has a grain capacity of 32,000, which supports sustained treatment performance under varied usage.
Intermittent or seasonal water use may affect system maintenance and monitoring needs
Second homes or seasonal properties may experience different water quality fluctuations or require specific use and maintenance schedules for consistent uranium-radium reduction. Proper planning helps maintain treatment effectiveness despite variable use patterns.
Information to Document Before Seeking Treatment Advice
Obtain a certified lab test reporting alpha particle activity from your water source
To understand your household’s uranium-radium levels, secure a test from a certified lab specifying alpha particle activity. General area data are helpful background but do not replace your own water’s analysis.
Record well depth and usage patterns particulars
Knowing your well’s depth compared to the 17 to 102 feet range in government samples provides context for comparing test results. Additionally, note household size, water use volume, and if the property is seasonal.
Gather records of any prior treatment and results
If previous testing or treatment has been performed, have those reports ready to support treatment system selection and configuration.
How to Compare This Area’s Uranium-Radium Water Records with Nearby Counties
Area sampling captures local aquifer conditions but not the full regional variability
Madison County’s aquifer 110QRNR data represent a specific groundwater system sampled over two years. Neighboring counties may show different median and range values depending on geology and water sources, so direct comparisons should consider these factors.
Similar median levels but differing ranges signal distinct local geochemical influences
When comparing to surrounding areas, look for similarities in median alpha particle activity to identify stable regional trends. Differences in range values may indicate localized uranium or radium sources or variations in well depth and construction.
This page summarizes uranium-radium alpha particle activity data from 20 samples collected in 10 separate wells drilled between 17 and 102 feet in Madison County's aquifer 110QRNR from August 2013 to August 2015. For complete details, refer to the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling records at the official source.
For effective reduction of uranium and radium in home water, consider the C-Series Uranium & Radium System, which ships ready to configure and offers reliable capacity for residential use.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-08-04. 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 Alpha particle in the 110QRNR aquifer (Madison County): 20 results from 10 wells, median 1.8 pCi/L, range -0.4-4.2 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold