ote
V-75-8A
RADIOACTIVITY ASSOl
WATERS IN THE WESTERN Ul
Basic Data
M. F. O'Connell
R. F. Kaufmann
March 1976
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECT] : NCY
OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRA
LAS VEGAS FACT I. I
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Office of Radiation
Programs-Las Vegas Facility, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and approved for publication. Mention of trade
names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement
or recommendation for use.
11
-------
PREFACE
The Office of Radiation Programs of the Environmental
Protection Agency carries out a national program designed to
evaluate population exposure from ionizing and non-ionizing
radiation and to promote development of controls necessary to
protect the public health and safety.
Within the Office of Radiation Programs, the Las Vegas
Facility (ORP-LVF) conducts in-depth field studies of various
radiation sources (e.g., nuclear facilities, uranium mines and
mills, and phosphate mills) to provide technical data for envi-
ronmental impac.t statement reviews, environmental transport
pathways, and dose model verification.
This report presents the results of field studies conducted
by ORP-LVF between September 1974 and September 1975.. The field
studies were conducted to assess the levels of naturally occur-
ring radioactivity in geothermal waters in the western United
States. This tabulation of data precedes the estimation of
population radiation exposures from existing and planned uses of
geothermal resources.
Donald W. Hendricks
Director, Office of
Radiation Programs, LVF
111
-------
CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE iii
LIST OF FIGURES . vi
LIST OF TABLES vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. vii
INTRODUCTION 1
SAMPLE COLLECTION 3
SAMPLE ANALYSES 10
DATA PRESENTATION - " 10
DATA INTERPRETATION 16
CONCLUSION .20
REFERENCES 23
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Page
1 Location of sampling sites in the Western
United .States 4
2 Bubbler used to measure radon dissolved in water 9
3 Geographic grouping of sample locations 17
4 Radon concentrations in water 19
5 Radium concentrations in water 19
6 Log-normal cumulative frequency distribution for
radon-222 in hot springs in northern California 21
7 Log-normal cululative frequency distribution for
radium-226 in hot springs in northern California 21
LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
1 Locations and Descriptions of Sampling Sites 5
2 Radiochemical Analytical Results 11
3 Concentration Conversion Factors 10
VI
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks are due to personnel of the following state
and federal agencies and universities for their technical assis-
tance and cooperation: Arizona Atomic Energy Commission, Arizona
Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Colorado State Geological
Survey, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Desert
Research Institute - University of Nevada, Oregon State Health
Division - Radiation Control Services, Oregon Institute of
Technology, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Albuquerque
District Office of the U.S. Geological Survey. Recognition is
also given to Messrs. Jon Yeagley, Environmental Protection
Agency, Region VIII, Denver, Colorado; Donald Lambdin and Charles
Russell, Office of Radiation Programs, Las Vegas Facility, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, who assisted in the field
operations.
This project was sponsored in part by the Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada.
•vi i
-------
INTRODUCTION
This study was conducted to provide information on the
radiochemical species associated with selected geothermal springs
and wells in the western United States. Nearly 140 hot springs
and wells were sampled between September 1974 and September 1975
located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New
Mexico, Oregon, and Utah.
The objective of the present study is to enlarge the data
information base concerning radionuclide concentrations in geo-
thermal waters and identify potential environmental or health
effects that may result from large scale development for energy,
recreation, mineral recovery or agriculture. The question of
possible public health considerations from the radioactivity
associated with the development of geothermal resources was
raised in the Environmental Impact Statement for the Geothermal
Leasing Program (U.S. Department of Interior, 1973).
Study of the radioactivity in thermal waters and primarily
in hot springs, can serve as a first estimate of possible impacts
associated with the development of geothermal reservoirs. The
radiochemical data have added significance if they can be related
to regional hydrogeologic settings. Relationships between geo-
logic conditions and radiochemical species in thermal waters have
been reported from New Zealand (Belin, 1959) and from France
(Jurain, 1960). The present report is primarily intended to
present the radioanalytical results and to discuss sampling
methods. A brief discussion of the trends in radon concentration
and the correlation of radiochemical species are provided. A
more comprehensive interpretive report is in preparation.
Numerous previous investigations have emphasized the gross
chemical and trace mineral constituents in geothermal fluids
(Hose,.1974; Pearl, 1972; Mariner, 1974). In general, these
studies provided data to be used in geothermal reservior resource
evaluations. Few previous or ongoing studies of geothermal
waters in the United States have emphasized radioactivity;
however, data studies of thermal waters developed for spas have
often shown them to be enriched in radium and radon relative to
adjacent ground water. Recent works include those completed in
England (Andrews and Wood, 1974), in Austria (Pohl-Riiling and
Scheminsky, 1972.), and in Taiwan (Tsai and Weng, 1972). Elevated
levels of radioactivity reported by these studies provided
incentive for the present study emphasizing thermal waters in the
western United States.
-------
Other radiochemical studies of hot springs in England
(Andrews and Wood, 1972), in northern Nevada (Wollenburg, 1975),
and of steam wells at The Geysers in northern California (Stoker
and Kruger, 1975) were oriented toward development of geochemical
exploration and evaluation techniques. In addition, these
studies provided valuable background information concerning
sampling methods and problem approach. In another related radio-
chemical study by Osmond (1974) , uranium isotope activity ratios
were used in a mixing-model approach to determine direction of
origin, sources, and mixing volumes for spring waters. Mazor
(1961) used the radium-radon disequilibrium in Israeli spring
waters to detect underground reservoirs of solutions and gases.
Also, Arndt and Kuroda (1953) examined factors such as regional
geology and stream mechanics (velocity, turbulence, etc.) which
influenced radon concentrations in surface waters.
The foregoing studies provide comparable radionuclide data.
More importantly, they provide or suggest interpretative methods
applicable to the present effort.
-------
SAMPLE COLLECTION
Figure 1 is an index map of the sampling locations. The
numerical indices cross-reference the sample locations and the
analytical results found in Tables 1 and'2. Criteria for selec-
ting a sampling point included:
1. Availability of geochemical data and reconnaissance
surveys of regional geology.
2. Present or potential use for development.
3. Level of geothermal exploration in the area.
4. Temperature (over 38°C in most circumstances).
At each location, samples of water, precipitate and biologi-
cal material were collected. Water was obtained from flowing
sources. Precipitate was sampled on the basis of a ground level
gamma survey performed to identify anomalies in the immediate
area. Biological material, mostly algae, was obtained from the
discharge channels.
The unfiltered water sample was collected in one-gallon,
polyethylene cubitainers and immediately preserved with 32 milli-
liters (ml) of concentrated nitric acid. All water samples were
collected from the outlet of the spring or well and special care
was exercised to minimize suspended materials.
Gamma surveys were made with a Baird Atomic NE-148a scintil-
lator which read in microroentgens per hour (yR/hr) and was
calibrated with radium-226. The survey sought to identify
anomalies rather than absolute exposures associated with algal
mats or deposited material. This was particularly useful in
selecting sampling areas when large spring mounds or apron-like
spring deposits were present.
Dissolved radon-222 was sampled using a radon bubbler sample
tube as shown in Figure 2. After the glass tube was evacuated
using a hand pump, it was inverted so that the longer end con-
taining Valve A was placed inside the spring or well orifice. In
the case of spring pools, baths, or cisterns, the sample tube was
submerged up to 6 feet. Valve A was opened under water and
approximately 10 ml of water were drawn into chamber C of the
tube. The valve was then closed and the bubbler withdrawn from
the water. Valve B is kept closed and is used only during the
de-emanation procedure. At one location, measurements of radon
-------
20 0 40 80
SCALE IN MILES
• 1 SITE
® 2 SITES (Ex. 25,26)
Q 3 OR MORE SITES (Ex. 109-118)
Figure 1
Locations of sampling sites in the western United States
-------
TABLE 1. LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SAMPLING SITES SHOWN ON FIGURE 1
STATE COUNTY
ARIZONA Cochlse
Graham
Greenlee
Maricopa
Mojave
Final
Yavapai
Yuma
CALIFORNIA Imperial
Lassen
NUMBER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
SOURCE
Hookers Hot Springs
Indian Hoc Springs
Lebanon Mineral Bach
Lukat's Spa
Mt. Graham Mineral Bath
Clifton Hot Springs
Glllard Hot Springs
Agua Callente Springs
Buckhorn Mineral Bath
Hudson Farms, Inc.
One Mile Spring
Irrigation well 1481
111 Ranch, San Manuel
Castle Hot Springs
Citrus Valley Dev. Irr. well
Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa
Del Charro Cattle Feeders
Dickerman & Butters Roads
Flfleld Farm
Fountain of Youth Spa
Harry Hoke well
Holly Hot well
Imperial Hot Mineral Spa
Magnolia Union School
USER Mesa Well 5-1
USSR Mesa Well 6-1
Sinclair ff4-Phillips Petrol.
Mulberry Grammar School
Phegley & Shank Roads
Rlata Cattle Feeders
Smith Brothers
Amedee Hot Springs
Hobo Wells, Inc.
IDS Church, Susanville
LOCATION
13S.21E. 6.11
5S.24E.17.144
8S.26E. 7.21
9S.26E. 5.1
6S.25E.35.133
4S.30E.30.42
5S.29E.27.il
5S.10W.19
IN. 6E.23.144
5S.10W. 6
30N.23W.10.3
LATITUDE
322012
325956
324524
324110
325204
330313
325824
332458
355946
LONGITUDE
1101416
1095352
1094328
1094230
1094524
1091742
1092058
1114207
1144420
2 mi west of Arizona City
9S.17E.24.443
7N. 1W. 3
Tacna
9S.12E. 1.222
14S.15E.12.3
13S.16E.18
14S.15E. 6.12
9S.12E. 1.31
15S.16E. 7.424
10S. 9E.35
9S.12E. 2.112
13S.15E.33.il
16S.17E. 8
16S.17E. 8
12S.13E. 2
13S.15E. 3.33
13S.15E.23.431
14S.16E.19.32
13S.18E.33
28N.16E. 8.12
29N.15E.23.43
29N.12E. 6.14
323745
332531
325641
330122
325806
332504
325129
331527
332534
325857
324627
324627
330804
330238
330005
325458
325952
401808
402114
402418
1103315
1154049
1152245
1152155
1152727
1154031
1152109
1160023
1154110
1152525
1151411
1151411
1153701
1152505
1152321
1152154
1150419
1201150
1201528
1203944
SAMPLING
POINT TYPE V
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
3
3
3
1
3
2
1
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
. 2
5
5
5
2
2
2
3
1
4
3
DATE.
SAMPLED
11/20/74
11/18/74
11/19/74
11/19/74
11/18/74
11/19/74
11/19/74
11/21/74
11/18/74
11/21/74
09/24/74
11/20/74
11/20/74
11/22/74
11/21/74
02/05/75
02/06/75
02/06/75
02/05/75
02/05/75
02/04/75
02/05/75
02/05/75
02/05/75
02/03/75
02/03/75
04/15/75
02/06/75
02/06/75
02/06/75
02/07/75
02/25/75
02/25/75
02/25/75
WATER
. USEV
3
5
6
6
6
1
1
2
6
7
1
7
3
6
7
6
1
2
3
6
8
1
6
8
1
1
1
. . 8
1
3
8
5
4
2
TEMP.
(°C)
52
48
41
42
45
45
82
J8
49
45
64
32
31
46
39
57
54
51
52
57
31
59
70
52
95
100
100
41
57
52
71
87
94
64
PH
8.6
7.6
8.3
8.3
7.7
7.4
7.3
8.1
7.82
8.5
7.5
7.7
7.9
-
7.7
6.4
7.6
7.8
7.6
6.4
9.0
7.6
6.7
7.8
-
7.7
_
8.12
7.7
7.8
6.8
8.2
7.9
7.6
V See footnote
-------
TABLE 1. (continued)
STATE
CALIFORNIA
(continued)
COLORADO
IDAHO
NEVADA
COUNTY
Modoc
Mono
Plumaa
Chat fee
Clear Creek
Eagle
Fremont
Garfleld
Grand
Gunnlson
Mineral
Pitkin
Routt
Saguache.
Blalne
Cassia
Custer
Lemhi
Carson
Churchill
NUMBER
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59.
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
SOURCE
Baa sett Hot Springs
Kelly Hot Springs
Kellogg Hot Springs
Lake City Mud Explosion
Leonard's Hot Springs
Surprise Valley Guest Ranch
Casa Diablo Hot Springs
Fales Hot Springs
Section 25 on Hot Creek
Marble Hot Springs
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Hortense Well
Poncha Hot Springs
Young Life Group Camp
Radium Hot Springs
Dotsero Hot Springs
Wellsvllle Warm Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs
Hot Sulphur Springs
Waunlta Hot Springs
Wagon Wheel Gap
Penney' s Hot Springs
Routt Hot Springs
Steamboat Springs
Great Sand Dunes Warm Springs
Mineral Hot Springs
Cotidle Springs
Griffith-Wright well
Raft River Valley Project
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Salmon Hot Springs
Saratoga Hot Springs
S.P. Brady Well 11
Stlllwater well
LOCATION
38N. 7E.12.42
42N.10E.29.1
38N. 8E.14.33
44N.15E.24.13
43N.16E.13.il
42N.17E. 6.31
3S.28E.32.23
6N.23E.24.421
3S.28E.25.il
22N.14E.13.42
14S.79W.21.43
15S.79W.24.24
49N. 8E.15.32
15S.79W.24.24
3S.73W.36.343
5S.87W.12.33
49N.10E.19.22
6S.89W. 9.14
1N.78W. 3.43
49N. 4E.11.33
41N. IE. 35. 44
10S.88W.44.21
7N.84W.18.43
6N.84W. 8.142
45N. 9E.12.13'
IS. 21E. 14.44
near Malta
near Malta
Challis Nat'l.Fr.
22N.22E. 3.13
14N.20E.21.433
22N.26E.12.3
19N.31E. 7.3
LATITUDE
410842
412714
410736
373848
382103
373948
394522
384842
384357
382948
384357
394423
393739
382916
393300
400432
383053
374106
391333
403335
402859
374700
381002
441605
450540
390327
394710
393112
LONGITUDE
1210638
1205004
1210130
1185450
1192354
1184936
1202128
1061325
1061006
1060436
1061006
1053043
1070622
1055442
1071918
1060638
1063026
1064947
1071328
1065100
1064947
1055100
1055531
1144453
1134810
1194431
1190041
1183254
SAMPLING
POINT TYPE
1
1
4
1
1
2
6
4
1
2
2
2
1
4
4
1
1
4
1
1
4
1
1
4
3
2
4
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
DATE
SAMPLED
02/26/75
02/26/75
02/26/75
02/26/75
02/26/75
02/26/75
02/28/75
03/01/75
02/28/75
02/25/75
09/18/74
09/18/74
09/18/74
09/18/74
09/16/74
09/17/74
09/18/74
09/17/74
09/16/74
09/19/74
09/19/74
09/17/74
09/16/74
09/16/74
09/20/74
09/20/74
07/31/74
03/06/75
03/06/75
08/02/74
08/01/74
03/01/75
03/03/75
11/09/74
WATER
USE
8
3
5
3
3
8
1
6
1
3
4
1
5
6
6
1
9
6
5
3
5
1
1
6
9
5
3
1
8
1
5
3
1
1
TEMP.
(°C)
80
90
82
91
60
86
99
60
96
73
50
84
71
65
39
32
32
50
45.5
79
56
47
64.5
39.5
45
60
52
14
92
76
-
52
88
96.7
pH
8.6
8.08
8.3
7.3
7.6
8.0
-
6.0
7.89
7.6
8.4
8.0
7.6
7.9
6.5
6.8
7.0
6.4
6.6
7.7
6.8
6.1
7.5
7.8
8.0
6.4
7.3
9.3
7.7
8.5
6.3
7.9
8.1
7.57
-------
TABLE 1. (continued)
STATE COUNTY
NEVADA Clark
(continued)
Douglas
Elko
Eureka
Humboldt
Lyon
Pershing
Washoe
White -Pine
NEW MEXICO Catron
Dona Ana
Grant
Rio Arrlba
Sandoval
NUMBER
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
SOURCE
Guderian Cave
Spot Springs
Walley's Hot Springs
Hot Hole, Elko
Hot Sulphur Springs
Spring (near Carlln)
Beovawe Valley - small geyser
Beovaue Valley - bluff
Golconda Springs
Wabualca - Agri-Tech
Leach Hot Springs
Frank Clark's home
Dan Terrlll's home
Dr. Biglln's home
Great Boiling Spring
Lawton Hot Springs
Mark Twain Motel
Nlcara residence
Peppennill Motel
Steamboat Springs
Virginia Lakeshore Apts.
Monte Neva Hot Springs
Lower Frisco Hot Springs
Radium Hot Springs
Faywood Warm Springs
Gila .Hot Springs
Mimbres Hot Springs
Arsenic Spring
Iron Spring
Lithla Hot Spring
Electric Spring
Jemez Hot Springs
Soda Dam Hot Springs
Sulphur Springs
Warm Springs Kaseman 112
LOCATION
22S.65E.32
22S.65E.32
13N.19E.22.12
34N.55E.21.14
38N.62E.33.2
33N.52E.33.43 .
31N.48E. 8.4
31N.48E.17.2
36N.40E.29.43
15N.25E.16.4~
32N.38E.36.4
19N.19E Reno
19N.19E Reno
19N.19E Reno
32N.23E.15.2
19N.18E.13.4
19N.19E Reno
19N.19E Reno
19N.19E Reno
18N.20E.33.1
19N.19E.24.23
21N.63E.24
12S.20W.23.100
21S. 1W.10.213
20S.11W.20.243
13S.13W. 5.213
18S. 10W. 13. Ill
24N: 8E.24.132
24N. 8E.24.132
24N. 8E.24.132
19N. 3E.
18N. 2E.23
18N. 2E.14
19N. 3E. 4
16N. 1W. 1.321
LATITUDE
360005
360005
385851
404907
410830
404147
403405
403342
405740
403612
403942
393042
302318
393000
331440
323320
331155
324454.
361818
361818
361818
355425
354620
354729
355429
353844
LONGITUDE
1144430
1144430
1195002
1154619
1145730
1160748
1163503
1163523
1172939
1173856
1192154
1195426
1194430
1194811
1085253
1075940
1081211
1075008
1060308
1060308
1060308
1063701
1064125
1064110
1063654
1065319
SAMPLING
POINT TYPE
1
1
4
1
1
1
6
6
1
2
1
2
2
2
1
3
2
2
2
6
3
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
DATE
SAMPLED
09/24/74
09/24/74
11/09/74
03/05/75
07/31/74
03/04/75
03/04/75
03/06/75
03/04/75
08/06/74
03/03/75
11/08/74
11/08/74
11/08/74
03/21/75
11/08/74
11/08/74
11/08/74
11/08/74
08/06/74
11/08/74
07/30/74
12/05/74
12/04/74
12/05/74
12/05/74
12/05/74
12/03/74
12/03/74
12/03/74
12/02/74
12/02/74
12/02/74
12/02/74
12/02/74
WATER
USE
1
1
5
1
3
1
1
1
3
1
3
2
2
2
3
6
2
2
2
1
2
5
6
6
3
2
2
6
6
6
1
5
1
1
5
TEMP.
CC)
50
64
61
58
-
75
100
96
75
90
96
60.6
72.2
48.3
86.0
47.8
44.4
85.6
48.9
94
61.1
-
35
52.7
55
64
61
37.5
43
37.8
25
59.5
46.5
70
53
PH
7/4
7.3
8.77
7.2
7.3
6.8
8.7
9.38
6.9
8.3
8.0
8.05
7.65
7.95
-
9.13
7.95
8.29
8.06
7.19
7.76
-
7.3
6.7
7.0
8.6
8.75
7.1
6.65
6.8
1.6
6.5
6.3
2.0
6.4
-------
TABLE 1. (continued)
orf.
STATE
NEW MEXICO
(continued)
OREGON
UTAH
COUNTY
Sierra
Socorro
Taos
Klamath
Lake
Beaver
Box Elder
Davis
Juab
Salt Lake
Sevler
Utah
Wasitch
Washington
Weber
NUMBER
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
NOTES :
Sampling Point Type
1 - spring
2 - artesian
uell
3 - pumped well
4 - cistern
5 - geothermal steam
project
6 - fumarole,
mudpot
SOURCE
Derry Warm Springs
Ponce de Leon Hot Spring
Blue Canyon Well
. Manby Hot Springs
Ponce de Leon Hot Spring
CPI storm drain
Klamath Union High School
LDS Church
Lucas 4 Howard Furniture
Mazama Mid-High School
Melo-Bel Dairy
01T Well 04 (cold)
OIT Well 05
O'Neill Grammar School
Liskey's Ranch
Desert Farms, Inc.
Hunter's Lodge
Barry's Ranch
Thermo Hot Springs
LOCATION
17S. 4W.29.340
US. 4W. 4.122
3S. 1W.16.323
26N.11E.12.121
. 24N.13E'. 7 .
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls
40S. 9E.34
Lakevieu
Lakeview
40S.20E.il
30S.12W.21
Crystal (Madsens) Hot Springs UN. 2W.29.41
Stinking Hot Springs
Utah Hot Springs
Hooper Hot Springs
Baker (Abraham) Hot Spring
Becks Hot Springs
Wasatch Hot Springs
Monroe Hot Springs
Red Hill Hot Spring
Saratoga Hot Springs
Midway Hot Springs
Pah Tempe (La Verkin) Hot
Veyo Warm Spring
Ogden Hot Springs
Water Use
1 - not in use • 7
2 - potable 8
3 - stock watering 9
4 - space heating 10
5 - old bath house,
not In use
6 - spa, recreational
ION. 3W.30.224
7N. 2W.14.431
5N. 3W.27.3
s 14S. 8W.10
IN. 1W.14.432
IN. 1W.25.42
25S. 3W.15.1
25S. 3W.11.313
5S. 1W.25.34
3S. 4E.26.231
Springs 41S.13W.25
40S.16W. 7.132
6N. 1W.23.334
- irrigation
- domestic, non-potable
- fish hatchery
- pasteurization
LATITUDE
324744
330740
340245
363030
361926
381234
413946
413411
412056
410852
393550
404859
404726
383749
383835
401957
403140
371152
371916
411447
LONGITUDE
1071640
1071521
1065706
1054324
1053621
1131311
1120523
1121322
1120152
1120940
1124531
1115606
1115437
1120714
1120641
1115448
1112910
1131717
1134413
1115510
v-
SAMPLING
POINT TYPE
1
1
3
1 .
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
4
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
6
1
2
1
DATE
SAMPLED
12/04/74
12/04/74
12/04/74
12/03/74
12/03/74
11/04/74
11/05/74
11/04/74
11/04/74
11/05/74
11/05/74
11/04/74
11/04/74
11/05/74
11/06/74
11/05/74
11/05/74
11/05/74
09/18/75
09/15/75
09/15/75
09/16/75
09/16/75
09/17/75
09/15/75
09/15/75
09/17/75
09/17/75
09/17/75
09/16/75
09/18/75
09/18/75
09/16/75
WATER
USE
3
6
2
5
5
1
4
4
8
4
10
2
4
4
3
4
6
3
1
6
6
1
3
5
1
6
6
5
6
1
6
6
1
TEMP.
CO
34
-
31.6
31.5
-
71
82
56
89
58
81
30
89
58
85
60
93
74
73
54
47
57
53
83
54
43
46
77
43
35
42
36
58
pH
6.85
-
7.4
6.9
• -
"...
- •
7.60
8.42
8.5
8.38
_
8.6
7.81
8.4
-
8.5
8,27
7.25
6.1
6.5
6.5
7.1
7.6
6.6
7.2
6.8
6.45
6.95
•6.65
6.25
7.4
7.23
-------
at the surface and at four feet were 640 (±45) and 680 (±46)
pCi/1, respectively. Consecutive measurements of dissolved radon
at the surface varied within 9 percent of the mean and were
probably indicative of the variability of the sampling and ana-
lytical techniques.
Although dissolved radon at the water surface diffuses into
the immediate environs of the spring, a state of near equilibrium
in the water is probably present. Concentrations in the spring
system vary primarily with temperature and pressure (in addition
to radioactive decay). Radon concentrations at a shallow depth
(one foot or more below the water surface) are believed to be
representative of (or related to) conditions at much greater
depths. . .
Figure 2
Bubbler used to measure radon dissolved in water
Routine field measurements included temperature and pH. The
latter was measured using a Beckman Electromate pH meter with a
Sensorex electrode model P/N S200C. In the latter part of the
study, chloride concentration (using an Orion specific ion meter
with probe 94-17) and specific conductivity (using a Lab-line
conductivity cell) were also obtained. Since these measurements
were obtained at only a few sample locations, they are not
included in Table 1.
-------
SAMPLE ANALYSES
The major portion of the radiochemical analytical work was
performed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environ-
mental Monitoring and Support Laboratory (EMSL) in Las Vegas,
Nevada. Fifty-six water samples were sent to Mound Laboratory
(operated by the Monsanto Research Corporation for the U.S.
Energy Research and Development Administration) at. Miamisburg,
Ohio, for uranium and thorium analyses. The remainder of these
analyses and all of the radium and dissolved radon determinations
were completed at the EMSL.
The radium and radon analytical procedures used by EPA are
found in the Handbook of Radiochemical Analytical Methods (U.S.
EPA, 1975). The uranium and thorium isotopes were determined at
both laboratories using a similar unpublished modification of a
radiochemical procedure developed for plutonium (Talvitie, 1971).
The method uses ion exchange, electrodeposition, and alpha spec-
troscopy. The samples are initially prepared as azeotropic 6M
hydrochloric acid solutions. The uranium and thorium are removed
from solution with an anion resin and are then eluted separately,
followed by electrodeposition from ammonium sulfate for alpha
spectrometric counting.
DATA PRESENTATION
The results in Table 2 are reported in units of picocuries
per liter (pCi/1), which can be converted to milligrams per liter
(mg/1) using Table 3.
TABLE 3. CONCENTRATION CONVERSION FACTORS
1 pCi/1 . mg/1
Radium-226 is equivalent to 1.02 x 10'9
Thorium-23.2 . 9.3. . x 10-3
Thorium-2-34 4.3 x 1Q-1"
Uranium-234 ' 1.6 x 1Q-7
Uranium-238 3.0 x 10-2
The variability attached to the analytical results is the
counting error derived from two sigma counting statistics (95%
confidence level) and does not include any analytical or sampling
errors. For radon, these errors are approximately 9% of the
10
-------
TABLE 2. RADIOCHEMICAL ANALYTICAL RESULTS (pCi/1)
NUMBER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
26
25
26
27
28
29
LOCATION ,
ARIZONA
Hookers Hot Springs
Indian Hoc Springs
Lebanon Mineral Bach
Lukat's Spa
Me. Graham Mineral Bach
Cllfcon Hot Springs
Glllard Hot Springs
Agua Callence Springs
Buckthorn Mineral Bach
Hudson Farms, Inc.
One Mile Spring
Irrigation well 1481
111 Ranch, San Manuel
Cascle Hoc Springs
Citrus Valley Dev. Irr. well
CALIFORNIA
Bashford's Hoc Mineral Spa
Del Charro Cattle Feeders
Dlckerman & BuCCers Roads
Fifield Farm
Fountain of Touch Spa
Harry Hoke well
Holly Hot well
Imperial Hoc Mineral Spa
Magnolia Union School
USER Mesa Well 5-1
USER Mesa Well 6-1
Sinclair 14 - Phillips Pecrol.
Mulberry Grammar School
Phegley & Shank Roads
222ta
2400 ±
530 ±
420 ±
240 ±
1200 ±
6500 t
540 ±
140 ±
1200 ±
—
—
850 ±
930 ±
—
1100 ±
14000 ±
400 ±
740 ±
300 ±
1600 ±
140 ±
690 ±
14000 ±
120 ±
*1240 ±
*1287 ±
* 10000 ±
390 ±
410 ±
87
51
37
30
63
150
47
19
72
47
53
53
280
43
51
35
89
29
57
260
25
31.93
61.12
42
42
39
226Ra
.1 ± .059
.66 ± .13
.3 ± .089
.089 ± .05
1.3 ± .17
6.9 1 .39
.33 ± .093
.21 ± .076
.084 ± .056
.19 ± .067
.75 ± .13
.084 ± .056
.084 ± .056
.31 ± .087
.66 ± .13
24.0 .74
.38 .099
.64 .12
.37 .095
1.1 .16
.11 .06
.22 .077
2.7 .25
.28 _ — ' .087
.25 .08
190.0 2.0
1500.0 71.0
.54 .12
.37 .094
23*U
10. .8
.72 .092
.03 .02
.087 .036
.23 .051
1.4 .15
.26 .054
.084 .032
1.3 .14
.12 .039
.052 .032
4.6 .38
1.6 .16
.99 .12
.23 .056
.02 .003
.29 .05
.16 .03
.30 .07
3.66 .14
.13 .02
.05 .02
.21 .06
.18 .03
<0.10
.12 ± .03
<0.5
.09 ± .03
.09 ± .02
238U
3.8 i
.38 ±
.01 ±
.042 ±.
.12 ±
.45 ±
- .17 ±
.056 ±
.94 ±
.14 ±
.029 ±
3.6 ±
1.0 ±
.42 ±
.14 ±
<0.10
4.91 ±
.08 ±
.18 ±
1.58 ±
.10 ±
<0.10
<0.10
.08 ±
<0.10
<0.10 .
<0.41
<0.10
<0.10
.33
.063
.016
.024
.034
.074
.043
.024
.11
.041
.029
.31
.12
.072
.044
.22
.02
.05
.09
.01
.02
23°Th
.031 ±
<0.025
<0.0089
<0.018
<0.035
.11 ±
.18 ±
<0.022
<0.02
<0.023
<0.011
<0.036
<0.026
<0.017
<0.035
1.73 ±
1.62 ±
.37 ±
.64 ±
4.97 ±
.97 ±
1.78 ±
.71 ±
<0.43
.80 ±
2.54 ±
.3 ±
<0.37
<0.44
.029
.044
.053
.40
.34
.15
.23
.42
.14
.38
.22
.24
.28
0.3
232Th
.034 ±
<0.0088
<0.012
0.0079 ± 0
<0.019
.2 1
.28 ±
<0.014
0.016 ±
<0.015
<0.0089
<0.027
<0.012
<0.0062
<0.015
<0.26
<0.10
<0.12
<0.10
.43 ±
:i2 ±
<0.10
<0.14
<0.17
<0.14
<0.10
<0.089
<0.30
<0.10
.028
.0056
.057 -
.068
.016
.13
.05
*pCi/kg
-------
TABLE 2. (continued)
NUMBER
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
LOCATION
CALIFORNIA (continued)
Rlata Cattle Feeders
Smith Brothers
Anedee Hot Springs
Hobo Wells, Inc. - spring
IDS Church, Susanvllle
Basaett Hot Springs
Kelly Hot Springs
Kellogg Hot Springs
Lake City Mud Explosion
Leonard's Hot Springs
Surprise Valley Guest Ranch
Caaa Diablo Hot Springs
Fales Hot Springs
Section 25 on Hot Creek
Marble Hot Springs
222,,
Rn
500
1100
410
32
58
360
54
190
150
1700
13
470
750
35
100
± 45
i 55
i 56
* 15
± 21
± 44
i 17
± 33
i 28
i 89
1 13
t 44
± 46
± 12
± 29
226Ra
.4 ±
.85 ±
.084 ±
.05 ±
.13 ±
.067 ±
.29 ±
.05 1
.061 ±
<0.045
.056 ±
2.6 ±
30.0 ±
.25 ±
<0.041
.097
.14
.049
.049
.058
.042
.085
.046
.037
.05
.3
.82
.077
234
.19
.08
.11
.27
<0.10
.08
<0.10
<0.10
.06
.04
1.93
.61
<0.10
U .
± .04
—
± .03
± .02
± .04
± .02
± .02
± .02
—
± .12
± .07
238,, 230^
U Th
<0.10
—
.06 ± .02
<0.78
.19 ± .04
<0.10
.06 ± .02
<0.10
<0.10
<0.10
<0.10
—
.80 1 .08
.40 ± .06
<0.72
1.22
.61
14.29
2.02
1.53
1.83
.72
2.59
.86
1.29
1.75
.61
15.37
±
—
+
±
t
t
±
.
±
+
+
—
+
+"
±
.27
.20
1.05
.39
.35
.38
.25
.39
.24
.43
.38
.18
1.14
"2Th
<0.30
<0.10
1.09 ± .29
<0.10
<0.90
<0.10
<0.10
<0.18
<0.10
<0.10
—
<0.17
<0.10
<0.17
COLORADO
45 Cottonvood Hot Springs
46 Hortense Well
47 Foncha Hot Springs
48 Young Life Group Camp
49 Radium Hot Springs
50 Dotsero Hot Springs
51 Wellsvllle Warm Springs
52 Glenwood Hot Springs
53 Hot Sulphur Springs
54 Waunlta Hot Springs
55 Wagon Wheel Gap
56 Penney"s Hot Springs
57 Routt Hot Springs
58 Steamboat Springs
59 Great Sand Dunes Warm Springs
60 Mineral Hot Springs
250
1400
1400
890
890
1800
580
300
510
140
72
600
530
150
480
2100
94
73
71
57
67
84
43
38
51
21
15
51
51
29
34
65
17
1
27
3
3
1
1
3
.68 ±
.12 ±
.16 1
.14 ±
.0 ±
.1 ±
.23 ±
.0 ±
.2 ±
.083 ±
.6 ±
.5 ±
.13 ±
.8 ±
.17 ±
.6 ±
.12
.057
.067
.063
.61
.16
.075
.78
.27
.056
.28
.18
.058
.2
.071
.28
.24 ±
.30 ±
.041 ±
1.9 ±
.77 ±
1.1 ±
4.6 ±
.19 ±
.057 ±
.11. ±
<0.074
.24 ±
.039 ±
.084 ±
<0.14
.089 ±
.048
.055
.021
.2
.11
.12
.36
.046
.024
.035
.057
.030
.033
.029
.18 ±
.22 ±
.034 ±
1.7 ±
.33 ±
.42 ±
2.2 ±
. .11 ±
.041 ±
.078 ±
<0.052
.12 ±
.034 ±
.044 ±
.18 ±
.033 ±
.041
.047
.020
.18
.065
.068
.2
.035
.021
.03
.04
.023
.024
.16
.018
<0.014
.027 ±
.022 ±
<0.018
<0.018
<0.010
.023 ±
<0.012
<0.0069
.023 ±
<0.018
<0.012
.019 ±
<0.01
<0.044
.12 ±
.023
.016
.019
.023
.015
.069
<0.014
<0.012
.02
<0.017
<0.016
<0.0089
<0.010
<0.0043
<0.0085
<0.018
<0.035
<0.0065
.026
<0.0047
<0.031
.027
.017
.015
.027
-------
TABLE 2. (continued)
NUMBER
61
62
63
64
65
LOCATION
IDAHO
Condie Springs
Griffith-Wright well
Raft River Valley Project
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Salmon Hot Springs
. 222Rn. 226Ra
.44 i
260 ± 37 <0.048
390 i 39 .61 ±
. 19 ±
8.2 ±
. 2340
.11
.12
.069
.43
.084
.73
.08
.018
.11
•t-
4-
+
+
+
.031
.10
.03
.017
.034
238U
.018 ± .015
<0.15
<0.10
<0.013
.10 ± .032
23°Th
<0.006
.97 ±
.65 ±
<0.012
.016 ±
.25
.38
.015
232Th
<0.0063
<0.10
<0.18
.0087 ±
<0.0081
.0087
NEVADA
66 Saratoga Hot Springs
67 S.P. Brady Well #1
68- Stlllwater well
69 Guderlan Cave
70 Spot Springs
71 Walley's Hot Springs
72 Hot Hole, Elko
73 Hot Sulphur Springs
74 Spring (near Carlln)
75 Beowawe Valley - small geyser
76 Beowawe Valley - bluff
77 Golconda Springs
78 Wabuska - Agri-Tech
79 Leach Hot Springs
80 Frank Clark home
81 Dan Terrlll's home
82 Dr. Blglln's hone
83 Great Boiling Spring
84 Lawton Hot Springs
85 Mark Twain Motel
86 Nlcara residence
87 Peppermill Motel
88 Steamboat Springs
89 Virginia Lakeshore Apts.
90 Monte Neva Hot Springs
320
410
2100
3167
580
180
510
170
55
460
41
300
400.
200
460
800
360
980
66
510
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
±
4
4
4
4
i
4
4
4
4
30
34
69
84
45
34
52
38
23
61
17
33
.39
25
41
53
38
57
15
41
.23 ±
.47 ±
.27 ±
.35 ±
1.4 ±
.42 ±
5.8 ±
14.0 ±
2.3 ±
.050 ±
.16 ±
57.0 ±
.47 ±
.33 ±
.11 ±
.067 ±
.21 ±
2.1 ±
.095 ±
.13 ±
.22 ±
.17 ±
.40 ±
.067 ±
140.0 ±
.075
.11
.081
.095
.17
.10
.36
.55
.23
.043
.069
1.1
.10
.14
.056
.050
.070
.22
.048
.058
.078
.068
.099
.052
1.8
.09
.04
<0.025
.89
.070
.029
<0.10
.078
.05
<0.10
188.38
181.56
.032
<0.10
.017
<0.018
<0.62
-------
TABLE 2. (continued)
DUMBER
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112 •
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
LOCATION
HEW MEXICO
Lower Frisco Hoc Springs
Radium Hot Springs
Faywood Warm Springs
Cila Hoc Springs
Mlmbres Hoc Springs
Arsenic Spring
Iron Spring
Lithla Hot Spring
Electric Spring
Jemez Hoc Springs
Soda Dam Hot Springs
Sulphur Springs
Warm Springs Ksseman 02
Derry Warm Springs
Fonce de Leon Hoc Spring
Blue Canyon Well
Manby Hoc Springs
Ponce de Leon Hot Spring
OREGON
CPI storm drain
Klamach Union High School
LDS Church
Lucas & Howard FurnlCure
Hazama Mid-High School
Melo-Bel Dairy
OIT Well 04 (cold)
OIT Well 05
O'Neill Grammar School
Liskey'e Ranch
Desert Farms, Inc.
Hunter's Lodge
Barry's Ranch
222.
Rn
1300 ±
5800 ±
5600 ±
660 ±
2300 ±
5000 ±
9400 ±
—
120 ±
220 ±
450 ±
940 ±
210 ±
530 ±
1400 ±
520 ±
820 ±
—
__.
72 ±
—
250 ±
160 +
—
250 ±
—
200 ±
97. ±
260 ±
55 ±
—
56
140
120
51
85
100
170
20
26
37
54
26
42
68
40
43
17
34
23.
31
28
19
28
14
226n
Ra
3.4
.74
16.0
.29
.48
22.0
38.0
36.0
.94
8.6
140.0
.16
15.0
.18
.66
.82
.44
.37
.061 i
.38 i
.14 1
.056 1
.089 i
.24 i
.13 1
.11 1
.17 ±
.073 1
.061 +
.13 ±
.072 i
t .28
.13
.60
.088
.11
.70
.92
.90
.15
.44
1.7
.069
.58
.073
.13
.14
.10
.097
.051
.097
.067
.047
.047
.077
.059
.060
.069
.054
.051
.064
.043
234U
1.88 ±
.32 ±
.09 ±
1.01 ±
.34 ±
6.44 ±
9.01 ±
12.29 ±
<2.29
.07 ±
.82 ±
<0.27
5.3 ±
12.01 ±
2.70 ±
3.40 ±
1.44 ±
.76 ±
.018 ±
.049 ±
<0.018
.015 ±
.039 ±
.028 ±
—
—
.13 ±
.031 ±
.017 ±
<0.019
<0.015
.09
.05
.03
.07
.04
.22
.24
.42
.01
.07
.41
.20
.12
.13
.08
.06
.017
.023
.014
.024
.021
.053
.022
.014
238U
.47 ±
.10 ±
<0.10
.54
.13 ±
1.48 ±-
1.72 ±
3.20 ±
<0.30
.05 ±
.38 ±
.49 ±
1.1 ±
5.22 ±
1.30 ±
.75 ±
.75 ±
.18 ±
<0.013
.032 ±
.023 ±
.013 ±
.032 ±
<0.0092
—
<0.033
<0.012
<0.0097
<0 . 014
<0.0079
.05
.03
.05
.03
.10
.10
.21
.01
.05
.16
.12
.14
.08
.06
.06
.03
.020
.022
.012
.020
23°Tn
1.22 ±
.92 ±
.81 ±
.87 ±
1.71 ±
1.74 ±
1.56 ±
1.26 ±
3.86 ±
1.85 ±
1.05 ±
4.04 ±
<0.017
.96 ±
.61 ±
.85 ±
1.40 ±
2.83 ±
<0.022
<0.027
<0.025
<0.028
<0-022
<0.022
—
—
<0.028
O.024
<0.019
<0.027
<0.017
.35
.22
.26
.26
.34
.40
.39
.32
.63
.34
.25
.63
.25
.22
.30
.31
.49
232Th
<0.10
<0.10
<0.10
<0.16
<0.10
.91 ±
<0.25
<0.16
.83 ±
<0.10
<0.12
1.18 ±
<0.016
<0.10
<0.10
<0.10
.42 ±
<1.27
<0.017
<0.017
<0.015
<0.022
<0.016
O.010
—
—
<0.015
<0.014
<0.019
<0.013
<0.017
.29
.29
.34
.17
-------
TABLE 2. (continued)
NUMBER
LOCATION
222
Rn
226
Ra
234,,
238.,
230,
Th
232,
Th
UTAH
122 ' Thermo Hoc Springs 600 ± 42
123 Crystal (Madsens) Hot Springs 1800 ± 85
124 Stinking Hot Springs 880 1 60
125 Utah Hot Springs 1200 ± 69
126 Hooper Hot Springs 1500 ± 69
127 Baker (Abraham) Hot Springs 1700 ± 67
128 Becks Hot Springs 1200 ± 67
129 Wasatch Hot Springs 160 1 27
130 Monroe Hot Springs 250 ± 26
131 Red Hill Hot Spring 750 ± 41
132 Saratoga Hot Springs 2600 ± 82
133 Midway Hot Springs 260 ± 29
134 Pah Tempe (La Verkin) Hot Springs 550 ± 39
135 Veyo Warm Spring 490 ± 35
136 Ogden Hot Springs 2200 ± 86
7
410
80
140
62
1
23
27
5
6
18
47
0
23
5 i
0 ±
0 ±
0 ±
0 ±
5 ±
0 ±
0 ±
2 ±
3 ±
0 i
15±
0 ±
17±
0 ±
3
1
2
1
1
47
7
3
1
2
18
72
78
39
37
78
064
0
077
71
.033 ±
.96 ±
.038 ±
.17 ±
.26 ±
.039 ±
.09 t
.3 ±
.21 ±
.2 ±
.57 ±
1.3 ±
.39 ±
1.4 ±
.096 ±
.022
.16
.029
.055
.056
.022
.049
.063
.055
.069
.084
.18
.12
.14
.045
<.018
:3, ' + •
<.019
.12 ±
.12 ±
.03 ±
.073 ±
.16 ±
.1 ±
<.015
.4 ±
.68 ±
.31 ±
.93 ±
.033 ±
.081
.043
.038
.02
.044
.044
.035
.067
.12
.084
.1
.023
<.019
.043
.021
.16
.11
.025
.084
.024
.066
.022
.049
.26
.021
.033
.021
.065
.055
.02
.037
.02
.037
.019
.033
.075
.021
<.008
.05 ± .04
<.023
.022 ±
<.022
.19 ±
.063 i
<.006
.026 ±
<.013
.051 ±
<.008
<.009
.2 ±
<.02
<.014
<.017
.019
.065
.048
.022
.03
.061
-------
reported results and were obtained from repetitive sampling at
selected locations.
Radon results for samples #25, #26, and #27 are reported in
pCi/kilogram of condensate. These results from steam wells were
obtained using a high pressure stainless steel pressure bottle
and the sampling technique described by Stoker and Kruger (1975).
This effort was an initial attempt to obtain samples from super-
heated, two-phase discharges. Sample #63 was obtained from a
pre-existing shallow hot water well at the Raft River Geothermal
Project, a co-sponsored drilling effort by the State of Idaho and
the U..S. Energy Research and Development Administration. The
well serves as a source of water for the drilling operation.
At each sampling point, algae and surface rocks or pre-
cipitated material were collected. These samples are being
analyzed in radium, uranium and thorium isotopes. Data for these
samples will be published in a subsequent report.
DATA INTERPRETATION
A separate report in preparation correlates radiochemical
data to other chemical species and relating the radiochejnical
data to broad hydrogeologic conditions in the areas sampled. A
brief summary of our approach and initial findings is presented
herein.
In Figure 3, the sample locations are sorted into eight
geographical areas according to broadly similar geologic charac-
teristics. This facilitated reduction of the data by reducing
the geologic and hydrogeologic variability. At the present time,
the geologic characteristics have not been refined whereby the
statistical results can be related to specific stratigraphic
units, the following regions are recognized:
A. Rio Grande Rift Zone
B. Gila-San Francisco River Drainage Basins
C. Imperial Valley, California
D. Western Utah (Wasatch Front, Great Basin)
E. Northern California (Modoc Plateau, Great Basin)
F. Klamath Falls, Oregon
G. Northern Nevada
H. Reno, Nevada
16
-------
20 0 40_ 80
SCALE IN MILES
• 1 SITE
® 2 SITES
©3 OR MORE SITES
Figure 3
Geographic grouping of sample locations
-------
The statistical analysis utilized gross chemical data from
previous studies by Pearl (1972), Summers (1965), Hose and Taylor
(1974), Mallory and Barnett (1973), and Mariner et al. (1974).
Twenty-six selected parameters were correlated using a BMD series
computer program from the University of California (Dixon,
1971).
In addition to data correlation and regression analysis, the
radiochemical species were grouped in a cumulative log-normal
probability distribution similar to that done by Jurain (1953) .
Less-than values (below detection limits) particularly for
uranium and thorium isotopes were included using a technique
described by Denham and Waite (1975).
Attempts at correlating the radionuclide and gross chemical
parameters, particularly the geothermometers, have been generally
unproductive. The radioisotope data do demonstrate that the
range of concentrations are somewhat geographically dependent as
shown in Figures 4 and 5. Hopefully, this dependency will be
better demonstrated after forthcoming comparisons of these trends
to regional geologic features.
The correlation analyses infer that in selected regional
areas, silica, chloride, and temperature are not linearly related
to the radioactive species. In a few regions, radium-226 and
thorium-232 did correlate to silica with r values ranging from
0.7 to 0.98.
Other instances of high linear correlation (r>0.9) exist
between the parent-daughter pairs of uranium-238/uranium-234, and
uranium-234/thorium-230, but not between thorium-230/radium-226
or radium-226/ radon-222. Disequilibrium between certain pairs
in the uranium decay series implies that differentiation mecha-
nisms exist. Isotopic differentiation was described by Cowart
(1975) who studied uranium-234/uranium-238 ratios for various
thermal and non-thermal ground-water systems to derive a leaching
model that can be used to study mixing and flow patterns.
Data from the present study show that activity ratios for
uranium-234/uranium-238 in each region approximate the average of
1.4 reported by Cowart (1975). In the eight regional groups, the
mean uranium-234/uranium-238 ratios ranged from 1.29 to 3.33 (not
included are the ratios calculated using less than values).
There is a significant disequilibrium of radon to radium as
apparent when comparing concentration scales from Figures 4 and
5. This disequilibrium is the greatest in springs characterized
by calcareous deposits (data to be presented in a later report).
As noted by Wollenberg (1975) and supported by a cursory exam-
ination of local rocks, radium co-precipitated with calcium
is believed to be a substantial secondary radon source. Wollen-
burg (1975) also noted that elevated gamma radiation is preferen-
tially associated with calcareous spring deposits. The initial
18 .
-------
10.000
RADON
IN
IpCi/L)
100
RIO GILA-
GRANDE S.F. R.
IMP.
V . CA.
RENO
K-FALLS.
OR.
NO.
CA.
NO.
NV
W.
UT.
Figure 4
Radon concentrations in water
3000
1000
RADIUM
IN
WATER
IpCi/L)
10.0-
10
01
RIO GILA
GRANDE S.F. R
IMP.
V.. CA
RENO K FALLS
OR
NO
CA
NO.
NV
W.
UT.
Figure 5
Radium concentrations in water
19
-------
radiochemical results for the precipitate samples and our gamma
surveys confirms this finding.
Much of the radiochemical data approximates a straight line
fit on a log-normal frequency distribution plot, examples of
which are shown in Figures 6 and 7. According to Denham and Waite
(1975), this linearity implies that the data are from a single
population. Any change in slope or non-linearity results from
the contribution of an outside influence or a variation in the
existing source. In the case of ground water, slope changes may
be attributable to variations in the flow system, regional rock
type or nearby magmatic activity. For example, Jurain (1953)
concluded that a change in slope in the log-normal distribution
of radon in water was associated with local outcrops of rocks
relatively enriched in uranium and thorium.
For the present study, the distributions of each radio-
nuclide were plotted by region. With the exception of the
Imperial Valley, the radon distributions approximated a straight
line fit. The Imperial Valley radon plot exhibited a change in
slope at 700 pCi/1. Whether significant or not, the radon
concentration in shallow wells decreased with distance from the
San Andreas fault at a rate of about 1600 pCi/1 per kilometer. In
all of the regions, the uranium-238, uranium-234, and radium-226
plots had slope changes at concentrations of approximately 0.1
pCi/1.
CONCLUSIONS
To date, the statistical correlation has not disclosed any
definitive association of radioactive and gross chemical species
in the thermal waters sampled.
From a public health viewpoint, radium-226 is the isotope of
most concern in drinking water. The quantities of uranium and
thorium isotopes are not significant in the springs sampled with
the exception of samples #76 and #77 where the results are
extremely high for ground water. No explanation can be given
other than sampling or analytical error.
Many of the geothermal waters sampled contained quantities
of radium above the proposed drinking water standard of 5 pCi/1
(U.S. EPA, 1975). This standard was developed for drinking water
supplies serving populations of any size and based upon risk from
a fatal cancer per million exposed persons. The former Federal
Radiation Council (FRC) recommended that radium ingestion from
all sources (water and food) was not to exceed 20 pCi/day. The
FRC guidance for water supplies was as follows:
20
-------
10-
10*
20
50
PERCENTAGE
10-^
20
50
PERCENTAGE
95 98
Figure 6
Log-normal cumulative frequency
distribution for radon-222 in hot
springs in northern California
Figure 7
Log-normal cumulative frequency
distribution for radium-226 in
hot springs in northern California
-------
Range Concentrations Action
I 0-2 pCi/1 Periodic confirmatory
surveillance.
II 2-20 pCi/1 Quantitative surveillance
and routine control.
Ill 20-200 pCi/1 Evaluation and applica-
tion of additonal
control- measures.
At the present time, there are no Federal standards for
dissolved radon in water. However, most of the waters sampled
are non-potable because of obnoxious tastes and odors, an exces-
sive concentration of dissolved solids, alkalinity, and other
non-radioactive constitutents. Therefore, ingestion by the
general public is not likely. In the Reno, Nevada area, the
wells supplying hot potable water to private residences and
motels contain less than 5 pCi/1 of radium-226 (Figure 5).
Inhalation of radon daughters inside recreational facilities
(spas, mineral baths) space-heated using thermal waters represent
a potential exposure to workers. No measurements have been made
to quantify this exposure. However, maintenance of a warm, humid
environment in spas, baths, etc. is contradictory to control
using ventilation techniques as described by Johnson et al (1973)
and Aldrich et al (1975). Therefore, it is unlikely that venti-
lation is used or even desirable from an industry standpoint.
Use of geothermal waters in radiators and heat exchangers for
space heating and hot house agriculture represents a lesser
problem.
The possible environmental impacts that could result from a
large development of steam or hot water will depend upon the
operational technology and type of utilization. The quantities
of radium and radon present in the thermal waters sampled may
represent only a small fraction of what may be available once the
hydrologic system has been fully developed. An individual evalu-
ation of each project may be necessary to identify potential
problems.
22
-------
REFERENCES
Aldrich, L. K., M. K. Sasser, D. A. Conners, 1975. "Evaluation
of radon concentrations in North Carolina ground water
supplies." North Carolina Department of Human Resources,
Raleigh, North Carolina. 28 pp.
Andrews, J. N.-,. and D. F. Wood, 1972. "Mechanism of radon release
and entry into groundwaters." Extract from transactions/
Section B of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy,
Vol. 81. p 197-210
Andrews, J. N., and D. F. Wood, 1974. "Radium-226, radon-222 and
lead-210 in Bath Thermal Springs compared with some environ-
mental waters." Health Phy_s_i£S_, 27, p 307-310
Arndt, R. H., and P. K. Kuroda, 1953. "Radioactivity of rivers
and lakes in parts of Garland and Hot Springs counties,
Arkansas." Economic Geology, 48. p 551-567
Belin, R. E., 1959. "Radon in the New Zealand.geothermal regions.'
Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta, 16. p 181-191
Coplen, T. B., 1973. "Cooperative geochemical investigation of
geothermal resources in the Imperial Valley and Yuma areas."
Final report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, contract
No. 14-06-300-2389, 22 pp.
Cowart, J. B., 1975. Florida State University, Department of
Geology, written communication to Robert F. Kaufmann, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Radiation
Programs, Las Vegas, Nevada
Denham, D. H., and D. A. Waite, 1975. "Some practical applica-
tions of the log-normal distribution for interpreting
environmental data." Presented at the 20th Annual Health
Physics Society Meeting, July 14-15, 1975, Buffalo, New
York. 31 pp.
Dixon, W. J., ed., 1971. Biomedical Computer Programs. Univer-
sity of California Press,Berkeley, California. 600 pp.
Hose, R. K., and B. E. Taylor, 1974. "Geothermal systems of
northern Nevada." Open file report, U.S. Geological Survey,
Menlo Park, California. 27 pp.
23
-------
Johnson, R. H. , D. E. Bernhardt, N. S. Nelson, and H. W. Galley
1973. "Assessment of potential radiological health effects
from radon in natural gas." EPA-520/1-73-004, Office of
Radiation Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington, B.C. 60 pp.
Jurain, G., 1960. "Methods an results of the study of the
radioactivity due to radon in natural waters." Geochim.
et Cosmochim. Acta, 20. p 51-82, in French
Mallory, E. C. , and P. R. Barnett, 1973. "Chemical and
spectrochemical analyses of selected ground water in
Colorado." Open file report, U.S. Geological Survey,
Water Resources Division, Lakewood, Colorado. 47 pp.
Mariner, R. H., J. B. Rapp, L. M. Willey, and T. S. Presser,
1974. "The chemical composition and estimated minimum
thermal reservoir temperatures of the principal hot springs
of northern and central Nevada." open file report, U.S.
Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California. .31 pp.
Mazor, E., 1962. "Radon and radium content of some Israeli water
sources and a hypothesis on underground reservoirs of brines,
oils and gases in the Rift Valley." Geochime Eet Cosmochim.
Acta, 26. p 765-786
Osmond, J. K., et al., 1974. "Analysis of ground-water regimes by
use of natural uranium isotope variations." Final technical
completion report, project No. C-3264, for Office of Water
Research and Technology, U.S. Department of Interior,
Washington, D.C. 123 pp.
Pearl, R. H., 1972. "Geothermal resources of Colorado." Colorado
Geological Survey special publication 2. 54 pp.
Peterson, N. V. and E. A. Groh, 1967. "Geothermal potential of
the Klamath Falls area, Oregon." A preliminary study, The
Ore Bin Vol.. 29, No. 11. p 209-231
Pohl-Ruling, J. and E. Scheminzky, 1972. "The natural radiation
environment of Badgastein, Austria and its biological
effects." Presented at the Second Symposium on the Natural
Radiation Environment, Houston, Texas. 35 pp.
Reed, M., 1975. Formerly with California Division, of Oil and Gas,
personal communication.
Stoker, A. K., and P. Kruger, 1975. "Radon measurements in
geothermal systems." Interdisciplinery research in engi-
neering and earth sciences, Stanford University, SGP-TR-4.
116 pp.
24
-------
Summers, W. K., 1965. "A preliminary report on New Mexico's
geothermal energy resources." New Mexico State Bureau of
Mines and Mineral Resources, circular 80. 41 pp.
Talvitie, N. A., 1971, "Radiochemical determination of plutonium
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Jour. Anal. Chem., 43, p 1827-1830
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24. p 429-430
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EPA-680/4-75-001, Las Vegas, Nevada. 140 pp.
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Federal Register, 40 CFR, Part 41. p 34323-34828
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Administration, LBL-3232. 27 pp.
25
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions .on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
ORP/LV-75-8a
2.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Radioactivity Associated with Geothermal
Waters in the Western United States
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION>NO.
5. REPORT DATE
Mg T*<~ Vi
1 Q76
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
Michael F. O'Connell
Robert F. Kaufmann
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Radiation Programs - LVF
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, NV 89114
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Same as above
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
is. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES presented at Rocky Mountain Section meeting of the American
Association of Petroleum Geologists-Society of Economic Paleontologists and
Mineralogists fJune 1-4,1975; and the 1975 Health Physics Society annual meeting-7/13-
leTABSTRACT • ^ -'i/'jr
17/75
This report presents the radioanalytical results on water samples obtained from
approximately 140 hot springs and shallow wells in eight western states. Sample
locations were selected upon current or potential use as a geothermal heat source.
Specific nuclide analyses were completed for radium-226, uranium-234, uranium-238,
thorium-230, thorium-232, and dissolved radon-222. Accompanying these results is
a brief overview of .trends and rough correlations of radiochemical data with other
inorganic data from previous studies.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDEDTERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
Radiochemical analyses
Radon
Radium
Uranium
Thorium
Western United States
Hot springs
Geothermal resources
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
34
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
------- |