WAKE COUNTY, N.C. -- A new outreach campaign is looking to inform residents of Wake County about unsafe levels of uranium, radon, and radium found in privately-owned well water.
- According to county officials, one in five wells may be affected
- Short term affects of these contaminants include kidney toxicity, while long term affects include an increase risk of cancer
- Residents can click here for more information
The problem is reportedly due to granite beneath the surface. Wells in these aged granite formations can naturally have increased levels of radum, uranium and radon, which could lead to serious health problems.
Short term affects of these contaminants include kidney toxicity, while long term affects include an increase risk of cancer.
Wake County officials sent out 19,000 letters this week letting people know to get their wells tested, but there could be thousands more who are potentially impacted.
According to county officials, one in five wells may be affected.
The Franklin County health director says about 75 percent of people in Franklin County use wells for their water, and should be getting their well tested.
As part of the campaign, the county will be emailing notices to those in the affected area, hosting community meetings, compiling a list of labs that offer well water testing, and even discounted lab rates for low income households.
Residents can click here for more information.
