Combined Radium in Drinking Water
Radionuclide · MCL: 5 pCi/L · 0 systems exceeding limit
Overview
Combined Radium is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with an MCL of 5 pCi/L. The EPA Safe Drinking Water program sets and enforces the maximum contaminant levels shown here.
Health Effects
Exposure to Combined Radium above the MCL of 5 pCi/L may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Sources of Contamination
Combined Radium can enter drinking water from natural deposits, industrial discharges, or other sources.
Treatment & Removal
Treatment methods for Combined Radium include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and specialized media.
How to Remove Combined Radium From Water
These filtration methods are effective for reducing Combined Radium in drinking water:
| Filter Method | Effectiveness | Cost Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ion Exchange (Water Softener) | 90-95% removal | $500-2000 (whole-house) | NSF/ANSI 44 |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 90-97% removal | $200-500 (under-sink) | NSF/ANSI 58 |
Ion Exchange (Water Softener) — details
Standard cation exchange water softeners effectively remove radium.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) — details
Effective for radium at point of use.
Water Systems with Combined Radium Detected
City of Garland
Garland, Texas
Cicero
Cicero, Illinois
Wildwood City Water Department
Rio Grande, New Jersey
Mesa City Of
Mesa, Arizona
Metro Water Services
Nashville, Tennessee
City of Southaven
Southaven, Mississippi
City of Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Wvawc-Kanawha Valley Dist
Charleston, West Virginia
Berkeley County Pswd-Potomac River
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services
Rio Rancho, New Mexico