Autotrol Uranium & Radium System

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If Your Laboratory Report Lists Uranium Concentrations

A typical water test for uranium in Shelby County, TN, will show a concentration in micrograms per liter (ug/L), reflecting precisely what the testing laboratory measured in your water sample. These results are critical because uranium is a naturally occurring element that can be found in groundwater from the 124MMPS aquifer beneath Shelby County. The U.S. Geological Survey has documented uranium levels in this aquifer from 26 wells sampled between 2011 and early 2024. Of 53 results, uranium was detected in 11 samples, ranging from 0.006 to 0.025 ug/L, with a median of 0.015 ug/L. Importantly, no uranium concentration in these samples exceeded any federal health-based limits.

If You Consider Aesthetic Secondary Standards Versus Health-Based Limits

Uranium measurements are sometimes compared against secondary standards that address taste, color, or staining in water. However, these are not health-based limits and do not indicate safety concerns. In Shelby County’s aquifer data, all detected uranium results were well below federal thresholds established for health protection. This distinction means that even if uranium is measurable, it may not cause aesthetic problems or pose health risks. When reviewing your own water data, focus on federal health-based standards rather than secondary criteria to gauge what treatment, if any, is appropriate.

If You Need to Assess Treatment Capacity for Your Household Demand

When selecting a treatment system to reduce uranium and radium in your household water, consider daily water usage. Treatment equipment has a grain capacity—a measure of how much contaminant it can remove before regeneration or maintenance is needed. For example, the Autotrol Uranium & Radium System offers a documented grain capacity of 32,000 grains. This capacity should align with your household's daily consumption and contaminant levels to ensure effective and efficient treatment without overuse or premature exhaustion of treatment media.

If You Explore Tests and Diagnostics Before Purchasing Equipment

Begin by checking plumbing fixtures and water appearance for signs that might indicate elevated uranium or radium—a rare but possible sign being unusual water discoloration or taste changes. Next, test the water for uranium concentration through a certified laboratory analysis. Only a direct test of your household water can reveal your specific uranium level, as area data from Shelby County wells cannot substitute for your own water quality. Accurate laboratory results will guide treatment needs rather than assumptions based on area sampling.

If You Consider Plumbing Material and Age Separate from Source Water Quality

While uranium and radium concern source water quality, the materials and age of household plumbing affect water condition independently. Old pipes may contribute metals or influence water chemistry that changes taste or appearance. These factors do not alter uranium levels but can complicate understanding water quality issues. Determining uranium-related treatment needs requires isolating source water uranium levels from potential plumbing contributions, ensuring a clear picture of what treatment addresses.

If You Compare Shelby County Uranium Data with a Neighboring County

Comparing Shelby County’s uranium groundwater data to a neighboring county’s requires caution. Differences in geology, sampling depth, and time frame affect uranium presence and concentration. Shelby County’s aquifer uranium median of 0.015 ug/L, with a maximum of 0.025 ug/L from wells 76 to 654 feet deep, reflects one region’s snapshot. Adjacent areas may have higher or lower values based on local factors. Avoid assuming similar uranium levels across county lines without local data to support the comparison.

What Not to Conclude from Shelby County Area Uranium Data

These area uranium measurements do not establish your household’s water uranium concentration. Detection does not mean a violation of federal limits or an unsafe condition. Uranium below threshold values typically poses no immediate health risk. If you are considering treatment, base your decision on your home's water test and household needs. The Autotrol Uranium & Radium System ships ready to configure for residential use and can help reduce uranium and radium levels effectively when those levels warrant treatment. Use area data as a guide, not a definitive statement about your water quality.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-01-31. 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 124MMPS aquifer (Shelby County): 53 results from 26 wells, median 0.015 ug/L, range 0.006-0.025 ug/L; none above any federal threshold