Uranium Water Test

Uranium in Well Water: A Naturally Occurring Threat Most Homeowners Never Think to Test For

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in varying concentrations in rock and soil formations across the United States. When a well is drilled into bedrock, groundwater moving through those formations can dissolve uranium and carry it directly into your water supply. Like arsenic, lead, and radon, uranium has no color, taste, or odor. You cannot detect it without testing.

The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level for uranium in drinking water at 30 micrograms per liter. Long term exposure to uranium above this threshold has been linked to kidney damage, as uranium is chemically toxic to the kidneys even at levels below what would cause radiation concerns. It has also been associated with increased cancer risk.

Beyond its direct health effects, uranium in groundwater carries an additional concern that many well owners are not aware of. Uranium is a radioactive element that naturally decays over time, and one of its primary decay products is radon gas. Homes with uranium in their groundwater are at elevated risk for radon contamination in both their water supply and their indoor air. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and like uranium it is completely undetectable without testing. For this reason we strongly recommend pairing your uranium test with a radon test. Testing for one without the other gives you an incomplete picture of your home’s radiological risk from bedrock geology.

Uranium contamination is not limited to any single region but is most commonly found in areas with granite bedrock and certain other mineral rich geological formations. New England, the Rocky Mountain states, the Great Plains, and parts of the Southwest have documented elevated uranium levels in private wells. Because private wells are not regulated or monitored by government agencies, millions of well owners across these regions may be unknowingly consuming water with uranium levels above the EPA limit. The EPA and the CDC both recommend that all private well owners test for uranium at least once, particularly those in high risk geological areas.

How It Works

Order your test and we will mail you a sample collection kit with easy to follow instructions. Collect a water sample from your tap and send it back to our in-house laboratory. Results are delivered within 1 to 3 business days from the date your sample arrives at our lab.

Understanding Your Results

Uranium results are measured against the EPA maximum contaminant level of 30 micrograms per liter. Every test includes a free consultation with one of our in-house water quality experts. If uranium is detected at concerning levels we will walk you through what that means for your household and which treatment options are most effective, including reverse osmosis systems and ion exchange filters which are among the most proven methods for uranium removal from drinking water. If uranium is present we will also discuss whether radon testing is the appropriate next step for your situation.

This test is strongly recommended for all private well owners particularly those in New England and other regions with granite or uranium bearing bedrock geology, households with pregnant women, young children, or anyone with kidney disease or reduced kidney function, homebuyers purchasing a property with a private well, and anyone who wants a complete picture of their home’s radiological risk from groundwater sources.