Cooperative Water Program
Products > Water Quality and Drinking Water > Trace Elements and Radionuclides
Water Quality and Drinking Water Products by Subject
All Trace Elements and Radionuclides Products
Arsenic in Groundwater from Bedrock Aquifers in New Hampshire –USGS, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, found that nearly 40 percent of New Hampshire's bedrock groundwater likely contains at least low levels of naturally occurring arsenic. Groundwater supplies likely to have high arsenic levels can be found in scattered locations throughout the state, but are more frequent in densely populated Merrimack, Rockingham, Stafford, and Hillsborough counties in the southeast (Report and maps). Arsenic is naturally occurring in the bedrock of New Hampshire and levels are largely controlled by bedrock type and by fractures, but are also associated with other factors including groundwater chemistry, hydrology, topography, land use and demographics. (Technical Announcement)
Radioactive constituents assessed in groundwater in southwestern Montana –USGS, in cooperation with Jefferson County, sampled groundwater in southwestern Montana for uranium and other radioactive constituents (Preliminary data). Most of the wells included in the study provide water for human consumption. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the occurrence and concentration of naturally occurring radioactive constituents and the geologic settings and conditions in which elevated concentrations occur. The USGS will publish a report describing methods and results later in 2012.
Arsenic concentrations in domestic wells, mapped for towns, throughout Maine –A USGS study, conducted in collaboration with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), mapped the statewide spatial occurrence (by town) of elevated arsenic levels in domestic wells. The study identifies areas of the State that may be targeted by the Maine CDCP for increased efforts to promote well-water testing. (Press release, August 2010)
Arsenic and uranium in private wells in East-Central Massachusetts –USGS, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, released a report on arsenic and uranium in private wells in bedrock of East-Central Massachusetts. Probabilities for exceeding levels for health protection can be accessed on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection website ( Press release, March 2011)
