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
Metro Water Services
Nashville, Tennessee
Mesa City Of
Mesa, Arizona
City of Garland
Garland, Texas
Wildwood City Water Department
Rio Grande, New Jersey
Wvawc-Kanawha Valley Dist
Charleston, West Virginia
Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Cicero
Cicero, Illinois
City of Southaven
Southaven, Mississippi
City of Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Berkeley County Pswd-Potomac River
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Combined Radium has been detected in 0 water systems that exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 pCi/L, affecting approximately 0 people. Check your local water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search by ZIP code on this site.
Exposure to Combined Radium above the MCL of 5 pCi/L may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Effective filtration methods for Combined Radium include Ion Exchange (Water Softener), Reverse Osmosis (RO). Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Combined Radium removal. See the detailed comparison table above for effectiveness ratings and cost ranges.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Combined Radium is 5 pCi/L. The MCL Goal (MCLG), the level with no known health risk, is 0 pCi/L. Water systems must test regularly and notify customers if levels exceed the MCL.