Is there Uranium in Oklahoma Water and How to Treat it?
Uranium has been found in many parts of Oklahoma’s water supply – people with well water are particularly susceptible to uranium in water and those living near contaminated sites. Learn about uranium, how it gets into the water supply and what can be done to treat your water to mitigate the health risks.
What is uranium and how does it get into the water supply?
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal found in air, rocks, soil and water. Natural uranium seeps into groundwater as rocks decay over time. Rocks containing uranium in its mineral form are mined and taken to a chemical plant where the uranium is extracted into metal or chemicals called Enriched Uranium. Enriched Uranium is used for fuel or weapons and is more radioactive than Natural Uranium. Depleted Uranium is the byproduct from the enrichment process. Contaminated surface water accumulates into rivers and streams making its way into public water supplies and well water. Community water systems are tested regularly however private water sources are not.
Areas susceptible to uranium contaminated water
Individuals who live close to federal sites involved in nuclear weapons production or testing — as well as areas where uranium is mined, processed, or enriched for reactor fuel — may face a higher risk of uranium exposure. One such place in Logan County, OK is the Cimarron Kerr-Mcgee plant located near Cimmaron, OK. During its operations, spills and routine waste handling contaminated soil and groundwater beyond the plant — an area in Oklahoma that is still experiencing uranium levels exceeding Federal limits.
What are the health risks of uranium in water?
Food and water contaminated with uranium pose many health risks. According to the EPA, uranium can lead to an increased risk of cancer and kidney problems. Per the CDC, animal studies have exhibited that inhaling uranium can result in lung damage, infertility and skin irritation. Exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects and early deaths in children.
What is the safe level of uranium in water?
Before the year 2000 uranium levels in community water systems were not regulated by the EPA. By 2003, the EPA began enforcing a limit of 30 ug/L or 20 pCi/L for community water systems. However the EWG recommends a much lower goal of less than 0.43 pCi/L of Uranium in water.
What can you do about uranium in Oklahoma Water?
- Test your water for uranium especially if you are on a well because private wells are not regulated. Uranium is tasteless and odorless in water. The only way to know if uranium is in your water is to test for it.
- Consult a water expert depending on your water test results, we may recommend different resins or a combination of systems to address contaminant levels.
- Choose a water treatment system consider installing a high-quality water filter such as the Aquasential® Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System.
- A point-of-use RO System will remove most of the uranium – as well as many other contaminants– in your drinking water.
- A point-of-entry system such as a water softener will easily reduce uranium in most instances as well.
FAQs
Is there uranium in Oklahoma water?
Recent water quality reports for Oklahoma City showed no detectable levels of uranium while reports for Logan County showed levels doubled EWG’s stringent safety limits. Private well testing is the responsibility of homeowners. The only way to know if Uranium is in your water is to test for it as levels can change over time.
How does uranium get into Oklahoma’s water?
Uranium is present naturally in the rocks and soil but Enriched Uranium can contaminate water supplies from plant operations, spills or routine waste handling.
What are the effects of uranium contaminated water?
Uranium in drinking water can lead to an increase in kidney problems, infertility and cancer.
Will reverse osmosis remove uranium from water?
Yes, uranium can be filtered via reverse osmosis or ion exchange.
How do I know if there is uranium in my water?
The only way to know if uranium is in your water is to test for it.
