What Detected, Median, and Range Show for Uranium-Radium in Government Sampling

Detected means the instrument found alpha particles in all six samples from three wells

Government water-quality data for Elmore County’s aquifer 211COKR show six results collected between 2013 and 2019 all detected alpha particle activity associated with uranium and radium. Detection confirms presence but does not indicate safety or health risk by itself.

Median value of 0.85 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) summarizes central tendency

The median indicates that half the samples recorded alpha particle activity below 0.85 pCi/L, and half above. This value provides a central estimate but does not pinpoint any individual well’s concentration.

Range from 0.1 to 1.6 pCi/L shows variability across sampled wells

Results span from 0.1 up to 1.6 pCi/L, reflecting natural variation in groundwater composition within sampled wells at depths of 130 to 158 feet. No sample exceeded federal alpha particle activity thresholds.

How Sampling Depth and Well Characteristics Influence Expected Uranium-Radium Levels

Samples were collected from wells 130 to 158 feet deep

Depth influences uranium-radium concentrations as geologic layers vary. Shallow wells might show different levels compared to these; deeper wells may encounter other layers. Well construction and aquifer characteristics also impact results.

Sampling focused on aquifer 211COKR in Elmore County, representing local groundwater

The data apply specifically to this aquifer and county area. Conditions outside this scope can differ significantly. Individual well testing remains the only way to confirm a specific household's water qualities.

Household Symptoms That May or May Not Point to Uranium-Radium Presence

Common uranium-radium presence does not cause taste or staining problems

Unlike some minerals, uranium and radium do not impart taste, odor, or visible stains. These elements are radioactive metals contributing to alpha particle activity but do not affect water aesthetics.

Health concerns related to uranium and radium depend on concentration and exposure

Federal guidelines limit alpha particle activity for long-term exposure but detection alone is not a health diagnosis. Confirming if a household water supply exceeds relevant levels requires a certified laboratory test.

Interpreting Certified Laboratory Test Reports for Uranium and Radium

Laboratory reports list alpha particle activity in picocuries per liter (pCi/L)

Tests measure the radioactivity from uranium and radium decay products together as alpha particles. Reports provide individual well results, unlike government area sampling, allowing households to assess their own water.

Results below detection limits mean no measurable activity was found

A result marked below the reporting limit indicates the lab could not confirm presence above its sensitivity threshold. This differs from detected values and is important to distinguish when reading reports.

Steps to Take: Ruling Out Causes Before Considering Treatment

Start with a visual and sensory check of your water supply for unrelated issues

Since uranium-radium does not affect appearance or smell, rule out other causes for any unusual water characteristics first.

Obtain a certified laboratory test specifically measuring alpha particle activity

This is the only reliable method to determine uranium-radium concentration in your household water.

Upon confirmed elevated levels, considering direct purchase of the Autotrol Uranium & Radium System can address the issue

This system is designed to remove uranium and radium from residential water supplies and ships ready to configure for household use.

Summary of Government Sampling Scope and Data Source

The U.S. Geological Survey collected six groundwater samples from three wells between 130 and 158 feet deep in Elmore County aquifer 211COKR from 2013 to 2019. All detected alpha particles linked to uranium and radium, with values well within federal thresholds. For more localized water quality, individual certified laboratory testing is necessary. Source: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/323315086032801/.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-10-22. 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 211COKR aquifer (Elmore County): 6 results from 3 wells, median 0.85 pCi/L, range 0.1-1.6 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold