772-283-4767Radionuclides: What You Should Know About These Little-Known Water Contaminants
Groundwater can contain radioactive substances known as “radionuclides.” These contaminants can either occur naturally or be generated by the acts of humans. In Florida at this time, there is no known man-made source of radionuclides in drinking water, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
If you get your drinking and cooking water from a municipal source, the water likely has been tested for radionuclides and is considered “safe.” However, if you use a well system to supply water to your home, it’s a good idea to test it for radioactive materials.
Atlantic Coast Water Clinic of South Florida would like to share some information about radionuclides that you should find helpful if you use a water well.
What are radionuclides?
Radionuclides are radioactive compounds from radium, uranium, the gas radon and other sources that can cause health problems for humans. Uranium in sufficient amounts may lead to bone cancer and kidney toxicity. Radium is also known to cause various cancers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regularly reviews rules and standards governing radionuclides. The State of Florida adopts EPA radionuclide standards.
Testing your well water
If you use an underground well, you should consult with the Florida DEP about how often your water should be tested and what, specifically, it should be tested for. The contaminants coliform and nitrate, for example, should be screened once a year. Arsenic is usually tested for twice a year, once during the winter and once during the summer.
Certain occurrences can affect groundwater and call for immediate water testing, regardless of your usual schedule:
- Earthquakes
- Local excavation work
- Mining
- Road and highway construction
and anything else that could disrupt the soil and rock formations near your home and well.
Schedule testing by a water company
Most areas in the United States are served by companies that provide water treatment, system installation and testing services. If you don’t feel comfortable performing a well water test (or a test for any kind of water), contact one of these companies and have them do it for you.
The water technician will provide you with a clear report that reveals all the known contaminants found in the water sample. Contaminants may include radionuclides, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and a long list of chemical pollutants with names you can’t spell or pronounce.
The value of having your water professionally tested is that you’ll have a resource for advice on the best way to address contamination levels that are greater than what is acceptable to you.
Treating your home’s water
Home water-treatment systems generally fall into three broad categories:
Reverse osmosis system: With reverse osmosis, water is forced through a membrane that removes impurities.
Water softener: Water softeners remove calcium, magnesium and other properties that make water “hard.”
Carbon: Carbon filters filter individual water sources, such as a sink faucet. They do a decent job of removing many impurities.
Test your water and improve it
If you use a well, it’s a smart idea to connect with a company like Atlantic Coast Water Clinic that can not only test your water but also provide solutions for making it phenomenally clean and healthy. In most cases, the best way to address radioactive materials in water is with a reverse osmosis system.
Learn more about water contaminants, water testing and water purifiers by calling Atlantic Coast Water Clinic at (772) 283-4767 or use our contact form. We serve Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Hobe Sound and other South Florida communities.