Deciding on Uranium-Radium Treatment Options in Portage County Water

How do uranium and radium get into groundwater in Portage County, WI?

In Portage County, uranium and radium enter groundwater primarily through natural processes. These radioactive elements are present in the local geology, including the aquifer labeled 100SDGV. Over time, water flowing through rock and soil dissolves and carries trace amounts of these elements into wells. The sampled wells in this aquifer ranged from 12 to 140 feet deep, reflecting common drinking water sources for homes. This natural occurrence does not imply unsafe water but is an important factor when considering treatment options.

What does a certified laboratory test for uranium report and how should I read it?

A certified lab test measures uranium concentration in micrograms per liter (ug/L). For Portage County's aquifer 100SDGV, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled 27 wells with 43 results spanning 2011 to 2024. The median uranium level found was 1.37 ug/L, with a range from 0.165 to 8.16 ug/L. All results remained below federal uranium thresholds, indicating no regulatory violations. A single test result from your own well is essential to know your water's uranium level precisely; area data only provides general context.

Does plumbing material or home age affect uranium and radium in water?

Unlike metals that leach from plumbing, uranium and radium originate from the water source itself. Plumbing materials and system age influence contaminants like lead or copper but have minimal effect on uranium or radium levels. Knowing the source water quality is critical. However, older plumbing can impact water quality in other ways, so it remains important to consider comprehensive testing for household water safety.

What should I record before seeking advice on uranium-radium water treatment?

Before pursuing treatment options, write down detailed lab results showing uranium and radium concentrations, the depth and type of your water source, and any existing treatment equipment. Also note household water usage patterns, as this information will help identify the appropriate treatment capacity. Having this information ready enables better evaluation of the treatment systems designed to reduce uranium and radium.

How do I evaluate treatment capacity versus my household's daily water use?

The C-Series Uranium & Radium System can hold up to 32,000 grains of contaminant reduction capacity, making it suitable for various home sizes. To ensure the system meets your household demand, compare daily water consumption with the system's capacity and regeneration frequency. Properly matching capacity prevents performance issues and extends the service life of the treatment system.

What do terms like 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' mean in the uranium sampling data?

'Detected' means that uranium was measured at a positive level in every sample tested from the aquifer area; in this case, all 43 samples showed measurable uranium. 'Median' is the middle value of all measurements—1.37 ug/L here—indicating that half of the samples were below this level and half were above. 'Range' shows the spread of results from the lowest (0.165 ug/L) to highest (8.16 ug/L) in the dataset. These statistical terms help you understand typical and extreme values found in the area but do not indicate your specific water quality.

What should I NOT conclude from the Portage County uranium data?

The area data does not reveal your home's specific uranium or radium levels. Detection of uranium in every sample does not mean your well water exceeds any safety limits or that treatment is automatically required. The sampling results show no federal limit exceedances. Only a certified laboratory test of your own water can determine if treatment is needed. When ready to address uranium or radium concerns, the C-Series Uranium & Radium System ships ready to configure as a reliable treatment solution designed for this purpose.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-20. 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 100SDGV aquifer (Portage County): 43 results from 27 wells, median 1.37 ug/L, range 0.165-8.16 ug/L; none above any federal threshold