Distinguishing Uranium-Radium from Other Water Quality Issues
Uranium and Radium Origins Differ from Common Iron or Manganese Problems
Uranium and radium are naturally occurring elements typically found in bedrock aquifers, like those in Androscoggin County. Unlike issues such as iron staining or manganese turbidity, these radionuclides come from geological sources rather than surface contaminants or bacterial growth.
Uranium-Radium Is Chemical and Radiological, Not Microbial
While some water quality concerns involve bacteria or viruses, uranium and radium relate to chemical and low-level radioactive presence. This distinction matters because the types of treatment and testing required differ fundamentally.
What the Measured Range Means Regarding Federal Standards — and What It Does Not
Sampled Wells Show Uranium Between 0.272 and 50.3 micrograms per liter
The U.S. Geological Survey measured uranium in three bedrock wells in Androscoggin County during 2011. The median uranium concentration was 13.8 micrograms per liter (µg/L), ranging from 0.272 to 50.3 µg/L in wells 262 to 304 feet deep. All these values were measured, not estimated.
No Sample Exceeded Federal Regulatory Thresholds
None of the uranium measurements from these sampled wells exceeded any federal limits for uranium in drinking water. This indicates that, at least in the tested locations and times, uranium levels were within regulatory guidelines.
Detection Does Not Establish Your Household Water Concentration
These regional data represent a broad aquifer profile, not the specific amount of uranium or radium in your water. To know your water’s uranium or radium levels, you must conduct an independent certified laboratory test of your household supply.
Changes in Water Composition at the Tap After Using the Fleck Uranium & Radium System
Reduction of Uranium and Radium Concentrations in Treated Water
The Fleck Uranium & Radium System applies a filtration technology capable of lowering uranium and radium levels from water before it reaches household taps. When properly configured, this system reduces concentrations to below the detectable or regulatory concern range identified in area sampling.
Maintains Other Water Quality Characteristics
This treatment approach targets uranium and radium specifically and typically does not alter other mineral content significantly, preserving overall water taste and quality while addressing radionuclide presence.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Uranium Levels According to USGS Records
Sampling Dates Spread from August to October 2011
The data come from three separate wells sampled between August 25 and October 13, 2011. This period captures late summer through early fall conditions in the bedrock aquifer.
Uranium Concentrations Show a Range Without Clear Seasonal Trend
The relatively small number of samples and their spread over a few months do not allow detection of seasonal patterns in uranium levels. Longer-term or more frequent sampling would be required to identify such variations.
Impact of Plumbing Materials and System Age Independent of Source Water Uranium-Radium
Plumbing Does Not Create Uranium or Radium but Can Affect Corrosion
The presence of uranium or radium in water originates from the source aquifer and is not introduced by pipes or fixtures. However, older plumbing materials may influence how water interacts with internal surfaces, potentially affecting water clarity or taste.
Testing Source Water Separately from Tap Water Clarifies Origin
To differentiate between source water uranium-radium content and any changes caused by plumbing, homeowners should test both raw well water and water collected at taps.
Distinguishing Aesthetic Secondary Standards from Health-Based Limits for Uranium
Secondary Standards Address Taste, Staining, and Corrosivity, Not Health
For constituents like chloride or total dissolved solids, secondary standards focus on aesthetic aspects. Uranium's federal thresholds are health-based, set to limit radiological exposure from drinking water.
This Difference Highlights Why Uranium Measures Are Not Comparable to Typical Secondary Standards
Uranium's presence in water is regulated principally for health reasons, unlike some other minerals where criteria are about consumer experience.
Final Step to Resolve Your Household Uranium-Radium Concern
Order a Certified Laboratory Test of Your Household Water
To determine if uranium or radium is present at levels of concern in your home's water, have a certified laboratory conduct a comprehensive test. Only this personalized result can confirm your water’s condition.
A Result Below Federal Thresholds Indicates No Regulatory Concern
If your water tests below the federal limits, no action regarding uranium or radium is necessary. If it exceeds them, direct purchase of the Fleck Uranium & Radium System could then reduce these constituents effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-13. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (Androscoggin County): 3 results from 3 wells, median 13.8 ug/L, range 0.272-50.3 ug/L; none above any federal threshold