Uranium-Radium in Pottawatomie County Water: Deciding Treatment Options with Aquifer Data

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 13 wells in Pottawatomie County's aquifer 310WLNG during 2011 and found radium-226 present in all results, with concentrations ranging from -0.01 to 0.77 pCi/L and a median of 0.094 pCi/L. Importantly, none exceeded federal thresholds.

If your household is large, a second home, or seasonal property

Water use changes the demands on uranium-radium treatment. A large household uses more water daily, potentially requiring a treatment system with greater capacity. Seasonal properties may face periods of little use that can affect water quality differently than in full-time residences. Second homes might require readiness for occasional intake of water with uranium-radium levels varying from the usual. These factors influence the volume a treatment system needs to handle effectively and how often it should be serviced or regenerated.

If you consider how many samples and wells form the basis of the data

The available data reflect 13 samples taken from different wells, each 102 to 320 feet deep. This sample size offers regional insight into aquifer conditions but may not represent every well's condition precisely. Small samples mean local variations could exist beyond this range. Testing your own water is necessary to know specific uranium-radium levels in your well.

If you compare public system records to private well testing

Public system records like the USGS data provide a regional snapshot based on multiple well tests. They do not substitute for private well testing, which reveals individual water quality. Public data helps anticipate potential conditions but do not confirm your water’s uranium-radium concentration.

If you want an example of interpreting the median and range as a homeowner

The median radium-226 concentration in the sampled wells is 0.094 pCi/L, which places half the wells above and half below this value. The range extends to 0.77 pCi/L, showing some wells have higher levels than the median but still below federal limits. As a homeowner, consider these figures as a guide: your well might have levels near, below, or above this median. Only direct testing clarifies your actual situation.

If you look at seasonal or multi-year variation in the record

The sampling occurred over approximately two months in late summer to early fall 2011. This limited timespan shows a snapshot without reflecting seasonal or long-term fluctuations. Uranium-radium levels can vary with groundwater conditions, so testing during different seasons or years can provide a fuller picture of your water’s characteristics.

In summary, the USGS data provide a useful regional context for uranium-radium in Pottawatomie County's aquifer but cannot replace testing your own well water. Household size, usage patterns, and sampling scope all affect how you judge treatment needs. The C-Series Uranium & Radium System offers a ready-to-configure option designed to address uranium and radium removal with a grain capacity of 32,000, suitable for various household demands.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-12. 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 Radium-226 in the 310WLNG aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 13 results from 13 wells, median 0.094 pCi/L, range -0.01-0.77 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold