Pentair Uranium & Radium System

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What Happens When Uranium-Radium Is Left Untreated for Years

Alpha Particle Activity Indicates Presence

Uranium and radium emit alpha particles, which are measured to evaluate their presence in groundwater. Long-term exposure to elevated alpha particle activity can require consideration for treatment in domestic water.

Gradual Changes in Water Quality

Untreated uranium and radium can affect the water's radioactivity profile, which some households may wish to reduce as a precautionary step.

Potential for Staining or Mineral Buildup

While not directly related to safety thresholds, uranium and radium may contribute to staining or deposits in plumbing fixtures over extended periods.

Number of Samples and Wells Behind the Figures

Sampling Scope in Madison County

Four alpha particle measurements were collected on May 12, 2014, from two separate wells in Madison County's 124SPRT aquifer. These wells ranged from 995 to 1325 feet deep.

Small Dataset Implications

Because only two wells were sampled, the data reflect limited area conditions. This sample size is not sufficient to characterize every household well in the county.

Median and Range Observed

The median alpha particle activity was -0.15 pCi/L, with a range from -0.9 to 0.4 pCi/L. No measurements exceeded federal thresholds for uranium-radium.

Changes for Large, Secondary, or Seasonal Properties

Water Usage May Influence Treatment Considerations

Larger households or those with extended occupancy may require a treatment system with greater capacity or flow rate accommodations.

Second Home and Seasonal Use Impact

Properties used periodically may experience different water quality dynamics, such as stagnation effects, yet uranium-radium levels originate from the aquifer and are likely stable over time.

Plumbing Material and Age Effects—Separate From Source Water

Pipe Materials Do Not Affect Uranium-Radium Concentration

Metal or plastic plumbing does not add to or reduce uranium or radium levels, which come from the water source itself.

Old Pipes Might Influence Other Water Quality Factors

While important for general water quality, plumbing age does not change alpha particle activity related to uranium and radium.

Reading the Record’s Median and Range As a Homeowner Would

Understanding Negative and Low Values

Measured values below zero reflect instrument background adjustment and are not a health concern. Low positive values under federal thresholds indicate typical background levels.

Median Reflects Typical Conditions

The median near zero suggests that sampled wells in Madison County exhibit low alpha particle activity, but this does not rule out variability in other parts of the county.

Range Indicates Variation But No Federal Exceedances

The range from -0.9 to 0.4 pCi/L shows detected alpha particles across samples but no values above federal safety limits.

What You Should NOT Conclude from Madison County Area Data

Area Data Is Not a Substitute for Personal Well Testing

These government results reflect regional aquifer conditions, not your individual well. Testing your specific water is necessary to know your own levels.

Detection Does Not Mean a Violation or Unsafe Water

Measured alpha particle activity found in the area is not a violation or a sign of unsafe water according to federal standards.

Treatment Decision Depends on Your Test Results and Household Needs

If testing reveals uranium or radium levels of concern, the Pentair Uranium & Radium System, with its 32,000-grain capacity, ships ready to configure to reduce these constituents effectively for residential use.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2014-05-12. 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 124SPRT aquifer (Madison County): 4 results from 2 wells, median -0.15 pCi/L, range -0.9-0.4 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold