They Couldn’t Taste it, but Tests Show Uranium in Drinking Water

Some contaminants are regulated and some are not. Most are unrecognizable to the average consumer, however. This makes drinking water contaminants hard to identify unless tests are done regularly, and monitoring is done correctly. Residents of Coyle, Oklahoma have recently been told that their drinking water is not safe due to a high level of uranium. Health officials said the water in the town of Coyle contains too much of the radioactive metal. While it may not be much over the limitations, the Coyle officials sent out a notice to residents Friday from the DEQ stating that with it was a problem, there was no immediate health risks from drinking the water. The notice said that drinking water with high uranium levels over time could create an increased risk of cancer or kidney problems. These residents could not tell for themselves that it was there.
Uranium is a radioactive element found in nature. It can be present in soil, air, water, rocks, plants and food. Uranium breaks down (decays) very slowly into other elements including radium and radon gas. According to the EPA’s website, areas where uranium is present in rocks or soil, a drinking-water well can become contaminated with uranium. This can occur when the uranium in the surrounding rock or soil dissolves into the well water. Although western states are better known for having higher than average background levels of uranium in drinking water, uranium contamination of drinking water also can occur in eastern states as well.
Likewise, uranium has some health effects associated with high levels of contaminants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets the upper limit for uranium in community public wells at 30 micrograms per liter (µg/L), effective in December, 2003. Intakes of uranium exceeding EPA standards can lead to increased cancer risk, liver damage, or both. Long term chronic intakes of uranium isotopes in food, water, or air can lead to internal irradiation and/or chemical toxicity.
Reverse osmosis is a treatment that uses a semi-permeable membrane to capture any uranium in the water. The device uses water pressure as a force against the membrane, and only clean water is able to pass through, which leaves the uranium behind. Plastic bottles end up in landfills and harm the environment. They are also a very costly solution in comparison to drinking water systems with advanced technology. We offer reverse osmosis systems that effectively reduce harmful contaminants, turning tap water into convenient, fresh, clean water at your own separate faucet. Here in the Camp Pendleton area, you can find that our services expand to many housing areas nearby. Reverse osmosis is by far the best solution – saving you money, time, and effort. You can feel good about the water from your faucet. When you can’t see or taste contaminants, a drinking water system can eliminate your worries and keep you healthy.