This is a USGS Fact Sheet: Uranium is a radioactive element (radionuclide) that occurs naturally in rock, soil, and water, usually in low concentrations. Radionuclides are unstable atoms with excess energy and as radionuclides decay, they emit radiation. The uranium decay sequence also includes other radionuclides of concern such as radium and radon (DeSimone and others, 2014).The old Midnite Uranium Mine is located in the general area (more).
This fact sheet addresses naturally occurring uranium in groundwater in northeastern Washington. Radium and radon also occur naturally in the same area, but little is known about their occurrence in area groundwater. A map of Washington State shows the potential exposure to radon in air based on the
presence of uranium-bearing rocks or sediment.
Why is uranium in drinking water a concern?
Long-term exposure to elevated levels of uranium in drinking water can result in kidney damage and an increased risk of developing cancer. Individual risk depends on many factors including the concentration of uranium in the water, how much water is consumed and for how long, and the age and general health of the individual.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes water-quality standards for public water-supply systems. Standards are established by considering what levels of a contaminant are protective of human health as well as the feasibility of treatment of water supplies including analytical methods and costs. For uranium, the standard is set at 30 micrograms per liter (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000). Public water-supply systems are required to meet this standard or treat the water prior to distribution to customers.
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