Pentair Uranium & Radium System

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Understanding Your Local Aquifer and Water Source

Residents of Richland County, South Carolina, drawing water from the 211MDDF aquifer rely on a groundwater source sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2013 and 2016. The aquifer depth ranges in sampled wells from about 9 to 140 feet. Water from these wells, when reaching household taps, carries naturally occurring elements including uranium and radium, measurable by alpha particle activity.

Information to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Before deciding on treatment options, note the depth of your own well and any recent water testing results specifically measuring alpha particle activity or uranium and radium concentrations. Because regional sampling shows median alpha particle activity of 3.85 pCi/L with individual wells ranging up to 70.0 pCi/L but none above federal thresholds, your well may have different levels. Testing your household water is essential to confirm your exact situation.

How Well Depth and Source Affect Expectation of Uranium and Radium

Samples from shallower wells near 9 feet and deeper wells up to 140 feet show variability in measured alpha particle activity. This indicates well depth influences the uranium and radium levels you might encounter. Groundwater chemistry changes with depth and geology, so your treatment needs may differ based on how deep your water is sourced. The type of well and aquifer characteristics also affect these concentrations.

Additional Questions for Commercial or Industrial Water Users

Larger-scale water users often consider factors such as total water volume used, peak flow demands, and specific regulatory compliance with uranium and radium limits. They may require detailed historical trend data for their water source. Residential users usually do not need this depth of analysis but should be aware that commercial water treatment systems may need higher capacity or more complex configurations.

Effect of the Pentair Uranium & Radium System on Treated Water

Once this system, rated for 32,000 grains capacity, is operating, it addresses uranium and radium by reducing alpha particle activity in the water before it reaches household taps. Treated water typically shows significantly lower uranium and radium content as measured by follow-up testing. This can improve water quality while maintaining normal water flow and pressure in the home.

Fixtures and Appliances Impacted First by Uranium and Radium Presence

Fixtures and appliances that utilize water frequently, such as faucets, drinking water dispensers, and kitchen appliances, are the first to reflect improvements after treatment. Reducing uranium and radium concentrations helps prevent long-term deposits or potential scaling that may affect the efficiency or longevity of these devices.

Distinguishing Uranium-Radium From Other Water Quality Concerns

Unlike common water issues such as hardness or iron staining, uranium and radium require specialized testing for alpha particle activity. They are natural radioactive elements, not detected by typical water quality measures. This distinction is important because treatment systems addressing uranium and radium differ from those targeting other minerals or contaminants.

Deciding on the right approach involves knowing your local aquifer data, your well characteristics, and specific test results for your water. The Pentair Uranium & Radium System offers a documented method suitable for households needing to reduce uranium and radium effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-01. 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 211MDDF aquifer (Richland County): 52 results from 25 wells, median 3.85 pCi/L, range -0.3-70.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold