Idaho agencies probe elevated uranium levels in drinking water at treatment center campus
NAMPA, Idaho (CBS2) — State health officials are investigating elevated uranium levels found in well water serving several buildings at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center campus, as the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare works with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to determine whether the results represent a new concern.
Recent test results showed uranium levels above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level for drinking water in some buildings at the campus. Uranium is a naturally occurring, mildly radioactive element found in rocks, soil, and water. In well water, uranium comes from the rock where the well is drilled. Long-term exposure can lead to health concerns.
DHW leadership was informed late last week about potential well water quality concerns at the campus and began water testing for buildings that use well water. Within days, test results from the wells serving the White Hall administration building, as well as the maintenance and landscape shops, showed high uranium levels. Officials said more review is needed to determine whether the recent high levels are cause for concern.
Staff, residents, and families of residents are being notified, and bottled water is being provided to staff and residents until more is known.
“I am taking this very seriously out of an abundance of caution,” DHW Director Juliet Charron said. “Based on what we know about uranium exposure and the results of previous testing of SWITC’s well water, it is likely the risk is very low. Even so, determining exactly what these results mean and ensuring the safety of everyone on the SWITC campus are my highest priorities.”
Historical testing shows uranium levels in the campus well water have fluctuated over time. The wells were routinely tested from 2008 through 2021. While some individual tests recorded higher levels, officials said the wells also had sustained periods below the limit, and the annual average remained below the EPA’s maximum contaminant level. The most recent test before this week, conducted in December 2021, showed uranium levels below the EPA standard. DHW’s water testing policies and procedures are under review.
Uranium is classified as a chronic contaminant, meaning it can cause adverse health effects after long-term, continuous exposure at levels greater than the maximum contaminant level. The standard is established to protect public health based on the assumption that an individual drinks 2 liters of water per day over a 70-year lifetime.
Other buildings on the campus, including the residential halls and State Hospital South, are connected to Nampa city water. A project is underway to connect White Hall to Nampa city water within the next year.
DHW is directing people to a brochure and information on its website for more about uranium in well water, along with additional information about testing requirements for drinking water.