Madison Water Utility to retest wells for radium
posted
Madison, WI – April 8, 2015 – Madison Water Utility will be re-testing two wells this week after recent test results showed levels of radium slightly higher than 5 picocuries per liter, which is the federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for radium. Quarterly test results would have to average above 5 for one year before the water would be considered in violation of the federal health standard for radium.. Well 19 on Lake Mendota Dr. and Well 27 on North Randall Ave. had radium levels of 5.3 picocuries per liter and 5.7 picocuries per liter respectively.
This is just the 2nd time that any well in our system has ever shown radium levels above 5 pCi/L. While the results are a concern, the element does naturally occur in the deepest parts of Madison’s aquifer and occasional spikes in test results are not uncommon.Madison Water Utility will re-test the wells this week to ensure that radium levels have dropped.
Departments:
