Fleck Uranium & Radium System

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Local Aquifer Characteristics and Water Delivery

Water in Umatilla County primarily comes from a regional aquifer system tapped by wells ranging from 85 to 1150 feet deep. These wells draw groundwater that moves through soil and rock layers before reaching household taps. The quality of this water depends on natural geologic conditions and the well’s depth, but it is important to remember that local aquifer measurements represent area-wide conditions rather than any single residential source.

Potential Outcomes of Untreated Uranium-Radium Presence

Uranium is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust, and its presence in groundwater can vary. When uranium is found in water, it may contribute to radioactive decay processes, including radium, its decay product. Over years without addressing elevated uranium or radium levels, household water may pose concerns related to long-term exposure. These concerns can involve both radioactive and chemical effects, but no federal thresholds were exceeded in area samples, indicating that uranium levels in Umatilla County groundwater have not surpassed regulatory health limits in the tested wells.

Household Size and Usage Factors Affecting Water Quality

Larger households or seasonal residences may experience differences in water quality due to fluctuating water use patterns. For example, water sitting in pipes for extended periods in less frequently used homes can alter its characteristics. However, changes in uranium or radium concentrations from source water are determined by the aquifer and well conditions, not by household usage. Understanding these variables is essential when evaluating water quality for multiple residents or intermittent occupancy.

Distinctions Between Regional Records and Private Well Testing

Data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from 17 wells across Umatilla County between 2017 and 2018 gives an area-wide overview of uranium levels in the aquifer. This regional sampling showed uranium detected in 12 of the 17 wells, with a median concentration of 0.359 micrograms per liter and none above any federal threshold. However, these findings do not reflect the quality of an individual household’s well water. Private well owners must perform specific water quality tests to know their exact uranium and radium levels before determining appropriate treatment steps.

Expected Water Quality After Using the Fleck Uranium & Radium System

The Fleck Uranium & Radium System is designed to reduce uranium and radium concentrations effectively once water is drawn from the well. It uses proven technology with a grain capacity of 32,000 grains to treat water that may contain elevated levels of these elements. After treatment, water delivered to household taps can have significantly reduced uranium and radium content, contributing to improved water quality tailored to the household’s specific conditions.

Reliability of the Area Sample Data and Its Limitations

The data from 17 wells sampled over one year provides valuable insights into uranium levels in Umatilla County’s aquifer. However, the sample size, while scientifically meaningful for regional assessment, remains limited. Variability in geology, depth, and well construction across the county means some wells may have different uranium or radium concentrations. Continuous or additional testing is necessary for private well owners to make informed water quality decisions based on their unique well.

What Area Data Should and Should Not Suggest

It is important not to assume the regional uranium results directly describe an individual household’s water quality. Detection of uranium in area wells indicates that it is present in the aquifer but does not classify any water source as unsafe or in violation of health standards. The only way to know specific water quality is through well-specific testing. Regional data helps identify potential concerns and informs the selection of treatment options like the Fleck Uranium & Radium System but does not replace personalized analysis.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-09-20. 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 aquifer (Umatilla County): 17 results from 17 wells, median 0.359 ug/L, range 0.017-2.24 ug/L; none above any federal threshold