If your water has a noticeable mineral taste or you have seen unexplained staining on fixtures, it might be related to naturally occurring uranium and radium in the groundwater. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, residents drawing water from the local aquifer known as 111ALVM encounter these constituents at varying levels, as documented by U.S. Geological Survey sampling.
How the Fleck Uranium & Radium System Removes or Neutralizes These Constituents
The Fleck Uranium & Radium System is engineered specifically to address uranium and radium found in residential water. Featuring a treatment capacity of 32,000 grains, this technology removes dissolved uranium and radium ions through a filtration process designed to reduce these elements effectively. The system ships ready to configure and connects directly to household water lines, ensuring treated water free of elevated radioactive elements, supporting both aesthetic water quality and peace of mind.
Interpreting Government-Measured Uranium Levels in Lancaster County Against Federal Standards
Between September 2012 and March 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey measured uranium levels in 38 wells across Lancaster County’s aquifer 111ALVM. Out of 150 samples, uranium was detected in 142 results with a median concentration of 10.0 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and a range between 3.0 and 19.0 µg/L. Importantly, none of these readings exceeded federal action levels for uranium in drinking water. This means the recorded regional uranium concentrations do not constitute a violation of health-based standards, although individual well testing remains essential to confirm your household’s water quality.
How Well Depth and Water Source Influence Uranium and Radium Concentrations
Samples in this area were taken from wells ranging in depth from 2 to 24 feet. Shallow wells may exhibit different uranium and radium concentrations compared to deeper wells due to variations in geologic materials and groundwater flow paths. If your water is sourced from a private well, the depth and construction of that well significantly impact the presence of these naturally occurring radioactive elements. Understanding your specific well characteristics is essential for accurately assessing uranium and radium levels.
Sources of Uranium and Radium in Lancaster County Groundwater
Uranium and radium enter groundwater primarily through the natural erosion and dissolution of minerals in bedrock and soil layers found in Lancaster County. Weathering processes release these elements into the aquifer where groundwater flows. This natural occurrence is typical in several regions and does not imply contamination from human activity. The presence of uranium and radium is a known characteristic of the local geology influencing water quality.
Differences Between Public Water System Records and Private Well Testing
Public water systems serving Lancaster County routinely monitor and report uranium and radium levels to ensure compliance with federal standards. These records show no health-based violations in the system’s water. However, private wells are not covered under these public testing protocols, so individual testing of private wells is necessary to determine specific water quality. Relying on regional data alone cannot substitute for direct testing of your home’s water supply.
Distinguishing Uranium and Radium Concerns from Other Mineral or Water Quality Issues
Uranium and radium presence often causes issues such as staining and metallic taste, which can be confused with common water problems like iron or manganese. Unlike these common minerals, uranium and radium relate to naturally occurring radioactivity and require specialized treatment. Recognizing this distinction ensures that the chosen water treatment addresses the actual cause of water quality concerns effectively.
The Fleck Uranium & Radium System offers a robust solution that meets a household’s need for removing these elements at a capacity of 32,000 grains. By considering your water’s specific uranium and radium levels through appropriate testing and matching those needs with this system, you can manage your water quality with confidence based on documented regional data and proven technology.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-03-27. 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 111ALVM aquifer (Lancaster County): 150 results from 38 wells, median 10.0 ug/L, range 3.0-19.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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