Understanding Uranium-Radium in York County Water: Government Sampling Insights for Bedrock Aquifers

Maintenance Rhythm for the Fleck Uranium & Radium System

Regular media capacity monitoring scheduled by grain capacity

The Fleck Uranium & Radium System has a documented media capacity of 32,000 grains. Homeowners should note that maintaining system performance involves monitoring usage relative to this capacity to determine when media regeneration or replacement is due.

Periodic system regeneration to maintain contaminant removal

While the system ships ready to configure, the technology requires periodic regeneration cycles to sustain effective removal of uranium and radium from water sources.

Interpreting Uranium Concentrations Against Federal Standards

USGS sampling shows detected uranium but no exceedances of federal limits

Sampling of six bedrock aquifer wells in York County from August to October 2011 identified uranium in all samples with a median concentration of 0.509 micrograms per liter and a range from 0.02 to 11.2 micrograms per liter. None of these results exceeded any federal uranium thresholds.

Detection does not imply a violation or unsafe water

It is important to understand that the presence of uranium at detected levels in this area does not indicate unsafe water or a regulatory violation. Detection means only that uranium was measured by instruments in the sampled wells.

Sources of Uranium and Radium in York County Bedrock Aquifers

Natural geological sources contribute uranium presence

Uranium and radium in groundwater in this region primarily originate from natural dissolution of minerals in the bedrock aquifer formations characteristic of York County.

Depth of wells sampled reflects typical residential well depths

Sampled wells ranged from 104 to 365 feet deep, aligning with standard depths for residential bedrock wells in York County, making these results relevant to many local households.

Additional Commercial and Industrial Considerations

Higher water volumes and treatment capacity demands

Commercial or industrial users may require treatment systems with larger grain capacities and more frequent system regeneration due to higher consumption rates.

Regulatory monitoring and documentation requirements

Operations beyond residential scale often face additional monitoring protocols and reporting obligations not applicable to typical households.

Variations for Large, Seasonal, or Secondary Homes

Adjust media capacity use for varied water consumption

Homes with larger occupancy or intermittent use should consider how infrequent water use or higher demands affect system regeneration schedules and media lifespan.

Storage and maintenance during extended vacancy

Seasonal properties need to plan for system care during periods of non-use to prevent degradation of treatment media and ensure performance upon return.

Stepwise Approach to Determine Uranium-Radium Water Quality

Begin with basic home water inspection and observation

Check for any unusual discoloration or staining that can sometimes accompany dissolved minerals, noting that these signs do not confirm uranium presence.

Obtain laboratory testing specific to uranium and radium

Arrange for a certified laboratory to analyze your own water supply. This testing is the only way to know your well water’s exact uranium and radium concentrations.

Final Recommendation: The definitive step is ordering a comprehensive laboratory analysis for uranium and radium in your household water. A result within or below federal standards confirms no exceedance. If results indicate higher levels, the Fleck Uranium & Radium System offers a proven treatment approach designed to reduce these constituents effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-25. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (York County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 0.509 ug/L, range 0.02-11.2 ug/L; none above any federal threshold