Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Uranium-Radium Levels

Sampling dates span over three years

The U.S. Geological Survey collected 30 alpha particle measurements from 15 wells in Washoe County's aquifer N100BSNRGB between August 2013 and September 2016. This multi-year span captures natural fluctuations rather than a single snapshot.

Measured alpha particle activity range reflects natural variation

Alpha particle activity results ranged from -0.6 to 5.9 pCi/L during sampling. These readings represent the diversity of uranium and radium activity detected across different wells and times in the area.

Consistent detection across samples

All 30 samples detected alpha particles above the reporting limit, indicating the presence of uranium and radium at measurable levels throughout the aquifer, though below any federal safety threshold.

Assessing Treatment Capacity Relative to Household Use

Understanding grain capacity for system sizing

The treatment device under consideration, the Autotrol Uranium & Radium System, has a documented grain capacity of 32,000 grains. This capacity relates directly to the volume of contaminants it can effectively remove before regeneration or servicing.

Match treatment capacity to daily water consumption

Households should estimate their average daily water use to ensure the system's capacity meets or exceeds demand. Higher consumption or elevated contaminant levels may require more frequent servicing or larger capacity equipment.

Consider variations in water use patterns

Seasonal occupancy or peak usage periods can impact how quickly system capacity is reached. Planning for these fluctuations helps maintain treatment performance.

Differences Between Public-System Data and Private Well Testing

Regional data do not specify individual well conditions

The government data reflect averages and ranges from multiple wells in the aquifer but do not describe any single household's water quality directly.

Private well testing determines specific site conditions

To understand the uranium and radium concentration at your home’s source, conducting an independent water test is necessary. This test clarifies the exact contaminant levels present for treatment decisions.

Government data establish regional background levels

These measurements provide a context for what is typical in the area’s groundwater but cannot replace site-specific analysis for treatment needs.

Reading the Median and Range: An Example for Homeowners

Median alpha particle activity of 1.7 pCi/L

This middle value indicates half of the samples measured lower and half higher alpha activity, giving a central tendency for the aquifer’s uranium-radium presence.

Range from -0.6 to 5.9 pCi/L illustrates variability

The spread shows that while some wells measured near zero, others had higher activity levels. This range guides expectations but does not predict individual well results.

No federal threshold was exceeded in any sample

All results remained below regulatory action levels for uranium and radium, indicating typical background occurrences rather than safety violations.

Impact of Plumbing Material and System Age on Uranium-Radium Measurement

Source water quality distinct from plumbing influences

Uranium and radium levels originate in the water source and are unaffected by pipe material or age, which primarily influence other water characteristics.

Older plumbing does not alter uranium or radium concentrations

The regional data focus on source water quality, so any uranium-radium detected results from aquifer conditions, not distribution system materials.

Testing should isolate source water for accurate assessment

Sampling should be conducted at the well or point of entry to capture uranium-radium levels before any plumbing impact.

Final Step: Testing Your Home’s Water for Uranium and Radium

To resolve uncertainties and select the optimal treatment approach, the essential action is to have your water independently tested for uranium and radium concentrations. A reliable laboratory measurement will confirm the presence and level of these constituents specific to your household supply. With this information, you can confidently choose a treatment solution such as the Autotrol Uranium & Radium System, which ships ready to configure and is designed to address typical ranges of uranium and radium levels detected in area aquifers.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-15. 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 N100BSNRGB aquifer (Washoe County): 30 results from 15 wells, median 1.7 pCi/L, range -0.6-5.9 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold