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BOH Next Meeting Dates (all in Nickles Room at 7:30 pm):
July 14, 2009
August 4, 2009
September 1, 2009
September 15, 2009
October 6, 2009
October 20, 2009
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SWINE FLU PUBLIC HEALTH HOTLINE: 211
Arsenic and Uranium in Well Water
A recent Boston Globe article described the US Geological Survey’s planned home water sampling study, which will examine 1600 home wells in the State in order to better understand if areas of increased arsenic and/or uranium content exist. This is an information gathering study, and was not precipitated by any adverse event.
Uranium and arsenic have been identified in the region’s soil and bedrock for some time, with uranium being more prevalent in certain types of rock formations. Uranium and arsenic occur naturally in low concentrations (a few parts per million) in soil, rock, surface water and groundwater. Uranium occurs primarily as an oxide ore in nature, but can also occur in other forms. Neither uranium nor arsenic necessarily impart any smell, taste or color when dissolved in water, and therefore laboratory analysis of a water sample is required in order to determine their presence and concentration. The information below discusses how to test for it, and what you can do about it (mitigation) if you felt any action was necessary.
Testing involves providing a sample of water (in some cases up to ½ liter) to a testing laboratory. The sample is collected in a container provided by the testing laboratory, and in some cases must arrive at the lab not more than a specified timeframe from collection (for example, 5 days). It is best to contact the laboratory directly by telephone to discuss their requirements on sample packaging and shipment.
Many laboratories test for arsenic in water as part of an overall ‘Basic’ or ‘Comprehensive Water Quality Scan’, however some may require a separate test. While somewhat fewer laboratories test for uranium and it is a more specific test, there are still many testing labs to choose from. A few of these, and their contact information, are listed below. When requesting laboratory services please be sure to state that you want your samples analyzed in a manner compliant with regulations at 310 CMR 42.00 and that you want their laboratory~ID number to appear on the report.
Laboratory name |
City location |
Telephone number |
Tests for arsenic (As) |
Tests for uranium (U) |
Premier Laboratories |
Dayville, CT |
800-334-0103 |
Yes |
Yes |
Hazen Laboratories |
Golden, CO |
303-279-4501 |
Yes |
Yes |
Pace Analytical |
Madison, PA |
888-990-7223 |
Yes |
Yes |
Additionally, the laboratories below, have participated in well testing for the Town of Carlisle in recent years:
Nashoba Analytical, LLC Spectrum Analytical, Inc.
Littleton, MA Agawam, MA
Tel: 978-486-3316 Tel: 800-789-9115
According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), ion exchange water softeners and reverse osmosis systems are the most effective at removing uranium and arsenic from drinking water (along with many other unwanted ions such as excess iron). Many private well users purchase one of these systems.
General Water testing recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection:
Mass DEP recommends the following testing frequencies for these categories of potential contaminants:
Testing category |
Testing frequency |
Comments |
Bacteria |
Yearly |
Total coliform bacteria |
Comprehensive water quality scan |
Every 3 years |
Recommended frequency for rural areas |
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) |
Initial test, then once every 10 years |
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Radon (Rn) |
Initial test |
Follow up testing of air if Rn level greater than 10,000 picoCuries per liter in water |
Gross alpha |
Initial test |
if greater than 15 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) then uranium testing should be performed |
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