Combined Radium in Drinking Water

🩨 Health Effects

Long-term exposure to radium above the MCL increases the risk of bone cancer. Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that accumulates in bone tissue because it mimics calcium. It decays and produces radon gas.

📍 Sources in Water

Radium occurs naturally in certain rock formations (granite, sandstone) and dissolves into groundwater. Most commonly found in deep groundwater in the Midwest, South, and New England. Rare in surface water systems.

✅ What To Do

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softeners) effectively reduce radium. Point-of-use RO filters at the kitchen tap are practical for drinking water. Radium violations are most common in small community systems and private wells in affected regions.

📜 Regulation History

The EPA first set radium standards in 1976 at 5 pCi/L for combined Ra-226 and Ra-228. The 2000 Radionuclides Rule reaffirmed this standard. Radium is one of the most commonly violated radionuclide standards, particularly in Midwest communities using deep sandstone wells. The WHO guideline is 1 Bq/L for Ra-226 (approximately 27 pCi/L).

🔬 How To Test Your Water

Certified lab tests for combined radium (Ra-226 and Ra-228) cost $40-$80 due to the specialized radiological analysis required. Results can take 2-4 weeks. Home test kits for radium are not available; laboratory analysis is the only reliable method. Private well owners in the Midwest radium belt should test periodically.

💧 Which Filters Remove Combined Radium?

Ion exchange water softeners (NSF/ANSI 44 certified) are effective at removing radium since it behaves chemically like calcium. Reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58 certified) removes 90%+ of radium. Point-of-use RO systems at the kitchen tap are practical for drinking water treatment.

🔗 Related Contaminants