Uranium in Drinking Water
Radionuclide · MCL: 30 ppb · 0 systems exceeding limit
Overview
Uranium is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with an MCL of 30 ppb. The EPA Safe Drinking Water program sets and enforces the maximum contaminant levels shown here.
Health Effects
Exposure to Uranium above the MCL of 30 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Sources of Contamination
Uranium can enter drinking water from natural deposits, industrial discharges, or other sources.
Treatment & Removal
Treatment methods for Uranium include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and specialized media.
How to Remove Uranium From Water
These filtration methods are effective for reducing Uranium in drinking water:
| Filter Method | Effectiveness | Cost Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 95-99% removal | $200-500 (under-sink) | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Ion Exchange (Anion) | 90-95% removal | $500-2000 (whole-house) | NSF/ANSI 53 |
Reverse Osmosis (RO), details
Most effective consumer method for uranium.
Ion Exchange (Anion), details
Strong base anion exchange resin designed for uranium removal.
Water Systems with Uranium Detected
Denver Water Board
Denver, Colorado
Tucson City Of
Tucson, Arizona
Mesa City Of
Mesa, Arizona
Nj American Water - Western
Delran, New Jersey
Gilbert, Town Of
Gilbert, Arizona
Chandler City Of
Chandler, Arizona
Thornton City Of
Thornton, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
Uranium has been detected in 0 water systems that exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 30 ppb, affecting approximately 0 people. Check your local water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search by ZIP code on this site.
Exposure to Uranium above the MCL of 30 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Effective filtration methods for Uranium include Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ion Exchange (Anion). Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Uranium removal. See the detailed comparison table above for effectiveness ratings and cost ranges.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Uranium is 30 ppb. The MCL Goal (MCLG), the level with no known health risk, is 0 ppb. Water systems must test regularly and notify customers if levels exceed the MCL.