water test

[Kim Renner Busey]

Can anyone help me figure this out?

[MonikaC]

"Most drinking water sources have very low levels of alpha radiation and are not considered to be a health concern. Levels at or less than 5 pCi/ do not even require further testing.  This level is comparable to having one x-ray." as per ATS Environmental

For gross beta: "It should be noted that the California standard specifies that the MCL for grossbeta/photon particle activity is 50 pCi/L."  as per California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

[Tom P on Ranch]

Kim, I agree with Monika. These do not look bad. Not an expert, but did some research a few years ago and consulted my notes which indicated Gross Alpha Maximum Contaminant Level is 15 pCi/L

[Kim Renner Busey]

Sorry, this is not my strong suit. So does this mean that my water is ok to drink with no further action required??

[Linda B]

The letter that Boulder County sent out said that the EPA limits are: gross alpha 15 pCi/L and gross beta 50 pCi/L.  Congratulations!  Your results are good.

[Ryan + Abrie]

Well, we are scared shitless over here with our results.

Our report says 559 Gross Alpha and 258 Gross Beta.

I'm mean, with recommended max levels of 15 Alpha and 50 Beta, that is beyond alarming.

Well is ~600 feet deep.

Haven't been able to get through to anyone at Hazen Research (who did the testing) or John's Well (who sent it in) to discuss.

Has anyone out there even seen levels like ours?!!

[Julia]

Reverse osmosis water filters for under your sink are often less than $200 on Amazon and will take out, I think, radioactive elements as well as lead and fluoride. You can add mineral drops if you like or use a remineralization cartridge too. One of our local water experts can confirm.

I need to replace the 20 micron filter every month, due to iron, but it’s not expensive. The other filters last from 6 months to 2 years, depending.

FYI, when I tested our water 20 years ago, we had 3 times the recommended amount of fluoride and some lead, which is not safe for children in any amount.

---

In case it’s helpful, I have this one, but there are tankless versions too and other neighbors have APEC brand and like them also.

https://www.amazon.com/iSpring-RCC7AK-Ca...151&sr=8-5

[calbeartara]

Hi,
When we tested 2 1/2 years ago, ours were 32.3 (alpha) and 10.3 (beta). Well is at 500’ (in bar-k). We use a RO called water drop (tankless) and it works great. Way easier to change the filters than the previous system we had which had a tank.

As for those numbers, sounds like an outlier. Maybe request a second test to confirm?

—tara

   

[Tom P on Ranch]

If anyone wants a referral to the small company that did our treatment system I’m happy to get you in touch. They have done a few in the neighborhood and I’ve only heard good things.

[MonikaC]

Just a few houses away from Kim & across the road.
   

[joeryan80481]

Bar-K residents,

I'm a professor in the Environmental Engineering Program at UC Boulder -- and a neighbor; Martha Russo and I live across from Rock Lake.
I teach undergrad and grad courses in Water Chemistry and Environmental Organic Chemistry.  My research specialty is the "fate and transport of contaminants in natural water" and over the years, I've run a few outreach and research projects addressing water quality in the Left Hand Creek watershed.  I have been very interested in Boulder County's recent letters about uranium and radioactivity in our groundwater.
I'd be glad to pitch in about anyone's concerns, here on the BB or by email (joeryan80481@gmail.com).

One item I'd start with is to be cautious about getting water quality analysis results from a company that also sells water treatment equipment -- I'd want the water quality results from an entity that doesn't do the treatment.
Another item is getting water quality tests after installing treatment like reverse osmosis (RO) or other filtration to see that the treatment is actually making the water safe to drink.
Finally, if you do get some treatment system, make sure you maintain it (e.g., change the filters) as recommended.

Joe Ryan
www.colorado.edu/even/faculty/joseph-ryan