Because there is no running water in Assalamia–Alhomira and
Juban areas, 6 groundwater samples were collected from the study
areas that used as drinking water. Also three hot spring water samples
were collected from Dempt area. Measuring pH values as well
as conductivity for water samples were measured. Standard polyethylene
Marinelli beakers (1 liter) were used as a sampling and measuring
container. Before use, the containers were washed with dilute
hydrochloric acid and rinsed with distilled water. Each beaker was
filled up to brim and a tight cap was pressed on so that the air was
completely removed from it. The collected water samples were left
for an overnight period in polyethylene containers to allow setting
of any suspended solid materials and for each samples a clear supernatant
was separated decantation. The clear solution was acidified by
adding 0.5 ml of conc. HNO3 per liter, to prevent any loss of radium
isotopes around the container walls, and to avoid growth of micro
organisms [17]. The water samples were then homogenized well by
shaking. The final acidity of water samples reaches pH-2. The samples
were stored for over 30 days to reach secular equilibrium between
radium isotopes and their respective daughters before radiometric
analysis.