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RADIONUCLIDES
Contaminant Sources
Sources of radionuclide contamination include the following:
- Radioactive waste
- Erosion of natural deposits
Monitoring Requirements
Monitoring is required once every four years.
Sampling Procedures
Composite Grab Sample
The sample must be collected from the distribution system from an unsoftened
tap. A worst case sampling location should be used (i.e., nearest the
well with highest radionuclide content). If the system is centrally softened,
the operator may collect an entry point sample after the softener. A new
one-liter polyethylene bottle, unpreserved, is required.
1. Run water until it is cold.
2. Fill and cap the bottle.
3. Print the system name (or field number, if desired) on the cap label.
No other information is needed on the cap.
4. Complete a Radioactivity Analyses lab slip (From 3300-220) and request
a gross alpha test.
5. Place the lab form and sample bottle in an appropriate polystyrene
field case. Gross alpha samples can be placed in the same case with
inorganics. All forms can be placed in the same pack.
6. Seal the field case with strapping tape by completely encircling
all four sides of the case.
Quarterly Composite Sample
1. Collect the sample from the same location as the gross alpha sample,
discussed above. The bottle required is a one-gallon Cubitainer®
for each composite sample and must be preserved with nitric acid.
2. Add the first quart of water to the container, using a one quart
polyethylene bottle, followed by 25 ml of concentrated nitric acid.
Be certain to add the acid only after the quart of water has been added.
3. Add one quart of the sample to the cubitainer every three months
for the next nine months. The sample should be added without splashing.
Rinse off any spatters immediately.
4. Enter the appropriate date and time on the lab form (Form 3300-220)
each time the sample is to be added.
Radium Grab (RG) and Radium Quarterly (QC) Sampling
1. Collect the sample from the same location as the gross alpha sample.
A one-gallon Cubitainer® bottle
is required.
2. Run water until it is cold.
3. Fill the container.
4. Add one ampule of concentrated nitric acid preservative.
5. Complete a Radioactivity Analyses lab slip (Form 3300-220) and request
a gross alpha and a combined radium 226 and radium 228 analysis.
6. Ship the sample.
Radon Sampling
For best results, the sample should be collected after the well has pumped
for a period long enough to allow collection of a representative sample
of fresh water from the geologic formation. For small systems, the samples
should be collected after the pump has cycled several times. The sample
should be collected as close to the source as possible, prior to any treatment
or storage, and preferably from the well pump discharge pipe sampling
tap. The radon test kit contains a 15-ml glass vial with a two-piece Teflon-lined
cap. A bowl or other container that is at least three inches deep will
also be needed.
1. If the sample faucet has an aerator, remove it.
2. Run water until it is cold.
3. Remove the cap from the sample vial, making sure that the liner
does not fall out. If the liner does fall out, replace it in the cap
so that the white Teflon-coated side of the liner is not visible when
the vial is capped.
4. Place the bowl directly under the faucet and fill, being careful
to keep the spigot opening under water after the bowl begins to fill.
5. Fill the bowl to the point of over flowing. Continue adding water
for about a minute with the opening of the faucet still below the water
level.
6. Submerge the vial in the bowl, open side up, until its fills. At
this point, set the bowl down, and put the cap in the water, open end
up. While still under water, replace the cap on the vial. Tighten firmly,
but do not over-tighten.
7. Lift the closed vial out of the water. Turn the vial upside down
and check closely for air bubbles. If there is an air bubble, empty
the vial and the bowl and start again with Step 4.
NOTE: Radon gas migrates from water to air. With even a small bubble
in the vial, some of the radon leaves the water, leaving less radon
in the water to measure.
8. Complete the Radioactivity Analysis lab slip (Form 3300-220), making
sure to include the collection time, as well as the date, and all other
required data fields.
9. Place the vial and the radioactivity form in the Styrofoam mailer.
Only the vial should be enclosed in the plastic bag provided. Secure
the mailer with tape and attach the provided mailing label.
10. Ship the sample to the lab as soon as possible after the vial is
filled, using the fastest delivery possible. The sample should be received
by the lab no later than two days after sampling. The earliest possible
receipt of the sample at the lab allows the most accurate radon concentrations
to be obtained. Do not let the sample freeze.
Reporting Requirements
Upon receipt of the completed sample form from the laboratory, check
to make sure that all required testing was done (checked items on back).
Then sign and date the form and submit to the WDNR within ten days after
completion of the test or within the following timeframes:
- Ten days following the month in which the result is received.
- Ten days following the end of the compliance period.
It is recommended that you keep a copy of the completed form for your
records. Report all MCL, monitoring and public notice violations to the
WDNR within 24 hours (click
here for sample form in PDF format).
Treatment Options
Health Effects
The adverse health affect typically associated with elevated levels of
radioactive contaminants in drinking water is an increased risk of cancer.
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