From the City of Russell...
The city has received calls from concerned customers about the Cancer Research in Russell, Ellsworth, and Lincoln Counties by Kansas State University. The researchers will investigate to what extent groundwater contamination and high radon levels contribute to high cancer incidence in Russell and Lincoln counties.
The groundwater testing from domestic wells and radon levels are two distinct tests that are not interrelated. The KSU researchers will test groundwater from domestic wells for trace elements, not radon. Radon testing is conducted by placing a radon test kit in your basement or crawl space.
According to the EPA, Radon is a radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation—your home traps radon inside, where it can build up. The EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) or more. The average indoor radon concentration for homes in the United States is about 1.3 pCi/L. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the average radon level in Kansas is 4.6 pCi/L. The average radon level in Russell County is 5.2 pCi/L. More information about radon, radon testing, and mitigation can be found at the Kansas Radon Program website: https://www.kansasradonprogram.org/ or The Kansas Department of Health and Environment website: https://keap.kdhe.ks.gov/Ephtm/PortalPages/ContentData?CID=26
The researchers want to collect samples from domestic wells for trace elements, as most domestic wells are not tested regularly for contaminants. The EPA sets legal limits on over 90 contaminants in drinking water and sets water testing schedules and methods that water systems must follow. You can find more information here: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations
As a public water supplier, Russell is subject to the Safe Water Drinking Act, which sets national standards for drinking water contaminants, including the methods and schedules by which water must be analyzed and tested. Russell’s monitoring schedule, determined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment requires testing for: Coliform (TCR), Atrazine, Chlorite, TOC, HAA5 and TTHM, asbestos, pesticides, fluoride, inorganics, lead and copper, nitrate, volatile organizes and a full radiochemistry analysis. Public notice is required for any violation of the rules and regulations set by the Safe Water Drinking Act.
Customers are encouraged to attend the Kansas State University Cancer Town Hall at 12:00 p.m. on February 26th at Russell Regional Hospital to learn more about the research on radon in your homes and potential groundwater contaminants in domestic wells. For more information about Russell public water supply, you can find the Consumer Confidence Report on our website at: https://www.russellcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/894/City-of-Russell-Consumer-Confidence-Report---2023
For more information about the Kansas State University Cancer Research in Russell County, please get in touch with the Johnson Cancer Research Director, Dr. Sherry Flemming, at 785-532-6130 or Dr. Karing Goldberg, lead researcher, at 785-341-4454. Don't hesitate to contact Randy Baker or Jon Quinday at 785.483.6311 with any questions about Russell’s water system.