Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Uranium-Radium Levels
Sample Dates Cover Nearly Four Years
Groundwater samples for Radium-226 in Muscatine County's aquifer 111ALVM were taken from August 2013 through June 2017, capturing data over multiple seasons and years.
Observed Radium-226 Range Demonstrates Variation
Within these four samples from four separate wells, results ranged from 0.033 to 0.76 pCi/L, showing variability that may reflect natural changes or differences in well depth.
All Samples Under Federal Thresholds
None of the results exceeded any federal safety limits for Radium-226, indicating no regulatory violations in this set of samples.
Maintenance Rhythm of the Pentair Uranium & Radium System
System Features a Grain Capacity of 32,000
This treatment system holds a 32,000-grain capacity, which correlates with its ability to manage contaminants over time before requiring component renewal.
Scheduled Media Replacement Based on Usage
Maintenance timing depends on household water use; replacing the media typically occurs when capacity is approached to maintain effective uranium and radium reduction.
Ships Ready to Configure for Household Systems
The system is delivered ready to integrate with existing plumbing setups, requiring no additional fitting services but some assembly or configuration by the user.
Comparing Muscatine County’s Record to Neighboring Areas
Data Represents Local Aquifer Only
The Radium-226 measurements apply exclusively to aquifer 111ALVM in Muscatine County and should not be generalized to nearby counties without similar sampling.
Possible Differences in Radium Levels in Adjacent Regions
Radium concentrations can vary significantly between aquifers and counties; neighboring areas may show higher or lower median values reflecting local geology.
Avoid Assumptions Without Specific Samples
Because of natural variability and different well depths, actual concentrations in a neighboring county’s wells might not align with this data set.
Implications for Larger or Seasonal Households
Higher Water Usage Affects Treatment Media Longevity
Households with larger water consumption will reach the system's capacity more quickly, necessitating earlier media changes than smaller households.
Second Homes May Require Different Service Intervals
Seasonal or infrequently used properties might see longer intervals between media replacement because of lower overall water use.
Planning Should Consider Variable Use Patterns
Users should monitor water consumption to determine appropriate maintenance schedules and ensure continued uranium and radium reduction.
Sampling Scope and Data Interpretation
Four Samples from Wells 14 to 193 Feet Deep
The dataset includes only four well samples collected at varying depths, representing a small but targeted portion of the local aquifer.
Small Sample Size Implies Limited Statistical Power
While useful for general understanding, this sample size limits precision in estimating the full range of uranium-radium levels in all wells within the area.
Testing Your Own Well is Essential for Accurate Assessment
Because natural conditions vary, homeowners should conduct laboratory testing of their individual water source to determine specific uranium and radium concentrations.
These findings reflect government groundwater sampling in Muscatine County’s aquifer 111ALVM, gathered and reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. For detailed data, consult the official source at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-06-19. 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 Radium-226 in the 111ALVM aquifer (Muscatine County): 4 results from 4 wells, median 0.062 pCi/L, range 0.033-0.76 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold