Alyssa Goar reports that a recent report out of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found high concentrations of uranium in different areas around the Ogallala aquifer (also known as the High Plains aquifer). This aquifer brings water to many regions, including West Texas. We have some pretty stringent protocol for testing our water and there are certain chemicals that are known to be a problem and the EPA and also the state agency - the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - have limits set that we adhere to, explained Aubrey Spear, Director of Water Utilities for the City of Lubbock. The TCEQ explained that the even the highest levels of uranium found in Texas water do not pose immediate danger to people who drink it. But those who drink water with high amounts of uranium over their entire lives have increased risk for kidney damage or cancer over time.
The TCEQ said that the City of Lubbock supplies water to approximately 218,327 people, using water from the Ogallala Aquifer and the Canadian river Municipal Water Authority. According to the TCEQ Lubbock is currently compliant with all of Texas drinking water standards. In 2012, the City of Lubbock had to issue a water boil notice, but outside of that, the city has not had any recent problems with water quality. Based on available compliance data, there are no associated health effects concerning finished water produced by the city, said Andrea Morrow, a TCEQ spokesperson. The City of Lubbock and the TCEQ explain that in Texas, many radiochemicals like uranium occur naturally in the soil. [ See even in Houston, Texas - https://i2mconsultants.com/downloads/ela-iet/HouFaultGuideDecember2014.pdf and revisions]
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
