This system was not included in federal PFAS monitoring
FYI▾
Should I be concerned?
This system serves fewer than 3,300 people and was not required to participate in EPA UCMR5 testing. Absence of data is not the same as absence of contamination.
Lead risk depends on your home, not just the water system
23% lead or unknown lines
Act soon▾
The concern isn't usually the treatment plant — it's pipes inside older homes. No level is considered safe for children under 6.
Should I be worried?
Not necessarily — but if your home was built before 1986, it's worth checking whether you have lead pipes or solder. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking in the morning.
Range: 1.81 to 2.67 pCi/L across 3 samples (Aug 11, 2025).
What is it?
The combined measurement of radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements found in some groundwater, especially in the Midwest and Great Plains.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 5 pCi/L increases cancer risk, particularly bone cancer. Radium is most common in deep groundwater wells.
What to do
Ion exchange water softeners can reduce radium. Reverse osmosis is also effective. If your system uses groundwater and radium is detected, a point-of-use filter adds a layer of protection.
Gross Alpha▸
6.9 pCi/L · Aug 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 3.2 to 6.9 pCi/L across 3 samples (Aug 11, 2025).
What is it?
A screening test that measures total alpha radiation from all radioactive elements in water — including radium, uranium, and radon.
Why it matters
The MCL of 15 pCi/L protects against long-term cancer risk from radiation exposure.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels. If near the MCL, reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce radioactive contaminants.
Nitrate (as N)▸
0.28 mg/L · Mar 2026
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.13 to 0.28 mg/L across 8 samples (Aug 2025 to Mar 2026).
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Range: 0.86 to 0.92 pCi/L across 3 samples (Aug 11, 2025).
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive element produced by the decay of uranium in rock and soil. Most common in deep groundwater.
Why it matters
Combined radium (226 + 228) has an MCL of 5 pCi/L. Radium-226 is an alpha emitter linked to bone cancer with long-term exposure.
What to do
Ion exchange and reverse osmosis filters are effective at reducing radium.
Radium-228▸
1.74 pCi/L · Aug 2025
MCLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.96 to 1.74 pCi/L across 3 samples (Aug 11, 2025).
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive element produced by the decay of thorium. Most common in deep groundwater.
Why it matters
Combined radium (226 + 228) has an MCL of 5 pCi/L. Radium-228 is a beta emitter linked to bone cancer with long-term exposure.
What to do
Ion exchange and reverse osmosis filters are effective at reducing radium.
Disinfectants — MRDL
Chlorine▸
0.395 mg/L · Dec 2025
MRDLlegally enforceable
Sample history
Range: 0.32 to 0.47 mg/L across 2 samples (Dec 4, 2025).
What is it?
Added intentionally to kill bacteria and viruses. A chlorine residual in your tap water means the disinfection is still active through the distribution system — this is by design.
Why it matters
The MRDL of 4 mg/L is the maximum allowed. Typical levels are 0.5–2 mg/L. Chlorine at normal levels is not a health concern — the disease risk from untreated water is far greater.
What to do
If you don't like the taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes or use an activated carbon filter. Both remove chlorine taste and odor.