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ONTONAGON COUNTY -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department has known for years that uranium naturally occurs in the local bedrock.  But they had no idea it was contaminating Ontonagon area wells.

Bruce Johanson has lived off of Firesteel Road in Ontonagon Township for about 40 years, but it wasn't until a few months ago that he found out his well water contained a high level of uranium--more than double the maximum contamination level of 30 micrograms per liter.

"I was told that a reverse osmosis water filter would take care of the problem.  Well it just so happens, we've had one for 21 years to reduce the sodium levels in our water," said Johanson.  "I immediately went and pounded on the doors of most of my neighbors and said, we may have a problem here. Test your water."

Tanya Weisinger found out her well contained approximately 50 micrograms of uranium per liter, and she wasn't alone.  Across the street, her in-laws' water contained more than 99 micrograms per liter.

"My in-laws have lived in their house for 40 plus years, and they've been recommended to get tested every few years for kidney function," said Weisinger.  "I was shocked at how high they were. "

Environmental Health Director, Lynne Madison, says uranium was found in Houghton County wells near Jacobsville 10 years ago.  Now she's recommending that everyone with a private well in the Western U.P. pick up a uranium test kit from their local health department.

"Long-term exposure to uranium can increase a person's risk of cancer and kidney damage, but it's possible to avoid these health concerns.  The water can be treated," said Madison.

So far no one has come forward to say they've been sickened by the uranium.  The health department plans to get the message out with an intensive campaign this summer.  That includes putting important information on the new website www.safeupwater.com, which is a collaborative effort between all of the U.P. health departments.