Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Groundwater

Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in groundwater are more common than many small systems realize. In this training, Thomas Ballard of Southeast Hydrogeology, PLLC explains how geology, geochemistry, and system operations drive uranium, radium, and radon occurrence—and shows practical ways for small water utilities to assess risk, design smarter wells, and choose cost‑effective compliance strategies.

**What you’ll learn

The NORMs basics: uranium, radium, and radon sources, decay chains, exposure pathways, and health risks.

Key regulations for community water systems: MCLs for combined Ra-226/228 (5 pCi/L), gross alpha (15 pCi/L, excluding Ra and U), uranium (30 µg/L), beta/photon emitters (4 mrem/yr), and the current status of radon (no federal MCL; proposed dual standard not adopted).

Geologic settings with higher risk: granites, gneiss, schist, black shales, phosphate-rich rocks, and volcanic/rhyolitic terrains; why local variability matters.

Redox and water chemistry controls: why oxic, high-bicarbonate water mobilizes uranium (U(VI))—and how calcium–bicarbonate complexes keep U in solution.

Hydrogeologic impacts of pumping and irrigation: how downward gradients and recharge chemistry can increase uranium at depth over time.

Siting and design to avoid treatment: presiting assessments, vertical profiling, flow logging, discrete sampling, mass balance, and sealing problem zones.

Modifying existing wells: targeted grouting/liners, pump intake adjustments, and verification sampling to regain compliance.

Nontreatment strategies: blending, source substitution, seasonal operations, and monitoring programs.

**Treatment options and tradeoffs:

Radon: aeration (preferred for POE) vs. GAC, performance, O&M, and waste considerations.

Uranium/radium: ion exchange (anion for U, cation for Ra), RO/nanofiltration, lime softening (for Ra), specialty adsorptive media—plus pretreatment, breakthrough control, and waste disposal.

Ongoing O&M: establishing KPIs, corrosion control after treatment, waste handling plans, operator training, and continuous improvement.

Case study: Eastern San Joaquin Valley—strong U–bicarbonate correlation in oxic water, effects of agricultural pumping, and a practical blend of profiling, blending, and targeted IX to stay below MCLs.

**Who this video is for

Managers and operators at small water utilities

Consulting engineers and hydrogeologists supporting groundwater systems

Public works staff evaluating new wells, blending plans, or treatment upgrades

**Key takeaways

Geology sets the stage; geochemistry and operations control mobility.

Profile vertically and design wells to avoid high-uranium/radium zones.

Start with blending and source management; choose treatment only when needed and matched to your waste/O&M capacity.

Track KPIs and trends—don’t rely on single snapshots.

**About the presenter

Thomas Ballard, Southeast Hydrogeology, PLLC—consulting and training for small water utilities on groundwater, well design, and compliance operations.

**Support and contact

Questions or project needs? Contact Thomas Ballard at Southeast Hydrogeology, PLLC. (Email shown in the video or reach out via comments.)

If this training helped, please like, comment, and subscribe so more small systems can find it.

**Disclaimers

Always confirm requirements with your state primacy agency.

Site-specific geology and chemistry vary; verify with local data and testing before design or operational changes.
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[[Related Videos and Other Resources]]

Naturally Occurring Arsenic in Groundwater:    • Naturally Occurring Arsenic in Groundwater...  

Naturally Occurring Fluoride in Groundwater:    • Naturally-Occurring Fluoride in Groundwater  

Well Health Check Resource Guide: https://beacon.by/library/view/c4b7b1...

Southeast Hydrogeology web site: https://www.sehydrogeology.com

[[Chapters]]
00:00 - Intro
02:57 - Understanding NORMs
10:11 - Geologic Occurrence of NORMs
18:55 - Redox Reactions Explained
21:25 - Cation Exchange Process
22:53 - Bicarbonate and Calcium Chemistry
26:50 - Hydrogeologic Impacts on Water
29:04 - Well Siting Strategies
33:13 - Vertical Profiling Methodology
34:42 - Profiling Applications in Well Design
36:19 - Modifying Existing Wells for Efficiency
42:03 - Radon Treatment - Aeration Techniques
44:50 - Radon Treatment - Granular Activated Carbon
47:35 - Uranium Treatment - Ion Exchange Methods
50:15 - Uranium and Radium Treatment - RO Process
52:40 - Uranium and Radium Treatment - Lime Softening
54:05 - Uranium and Radium Treatment - Ion Exchange
55:32 - Post-Treatment Monitoring and Waste Management
59:45 - Case Study Analysis
1:02:30 - Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1:03:20 - Closing Remarks