If you decide to treat your water to remove uranium, you can use a reverse osmosis (RO) system or whole house treatment.  The information below provides a brief overview of both methods.  Please speak with your water treatment company or call the Glastonbury Health Department at (860) 652-7534 to discuss your options in more detail.

Reverse Osmosis

The Reverse Osmosis (RO) system is a point-of-use treatment system typically installed at your kitchen sink.  RO allows water to pass through a membrane, and contaminants such as uranium are left behind on the membrane.  You may be able to connect your refrigerator’s water and ice-maker to this treatment system.  This type of system can usually be professionally installed for less than $1,000, and some homeowners may choose to install this system themselves.   Ongoing expense includes periodic replacement of the membrane.  

Whole House Treatment

A whole house treatment system may be desired, depending on your water usage and level of uranium.  Whole house treatment can be used to remove a great number of water contaminants, including uranium.  Whole house treatment is accomplished with a media-filled tank in the basement or utility area of the home near where the water line enters the house.  Treatment media differs based upon the type and level of contaminant to be removed.  Whole house treatment requires a backwash of the treatment tank in order to refresh the media so it can continue to treat your water properly.  The frequency and volume of backwash depends on the amount of water used in the household and the level of contaminant(s) to be removed. 

Backwash must be properly disposed through public sewer, or a separate wastewater treatment disposal system (WWTDS) for properties with private septic systems.  WWTDS must be approved through the Glastonbury Health Department to ensure proper location, sizing, and installation.  A WWTDS permit must be obtained, and the system inspected by the Health Department.   A building permit is required to verify proper connection of the system to your home’s potable plumbing system.   Whole house treatment systems can range in cost from $1,200 to $2,000, depending on conditions in your home and with your water.  WWTDS can range from $2,500 to $3,500 depending on site conditions and other considerations.  Ongoing expenses include the salt or treatment media required. 

Homeowners should strongly consider an annual contract with a water treatment company for water treatment systems.  The annual contract should include inspection of your treatment unit and water quality testing, among other things.  Annual contract costs will differ between companies.  A list of some local water treatment companies can be found at www.glastonbury-ct.gov/uranium.