Radium-226 in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with radium-226.
EPA Limit (MCL)
5 pCi/L
EPA Goal (MCLG)
0 pCi/L
Category
Radionuclides
Regulatory values are a concise reference, not legal or medical advice. Confirm the current standard and rule-specific details on EPA.gov.
Health Effects
Increased cancer risk
Common Sources
Erosion of natural deposits
Treatment Considerations for Radium-226
Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Ion exchange, reverse osmosis. Choose treatment only after a certified water test identifies the substance and concentration; verify NSF/ANSI certification and consult a qualified local professional when needed.
13,112
Historical Violation Records
3,373
Systems With Records
Historical Radium-226 Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 2,485 | 299 |
| North Carolina | 1,094 | 148 |
| Mississippi | 1,040 | 160 |
| Oregon | 995 | 664 |
| Texas | 994 | 104 |
| Colorado | 970 | 138 |
| Missouri | 626 | 52 |
| Iowa | 525 | 180 |
| Oklahoma | 486 | 160 |
| Connecticut | 479 | 178 |
| South Dakota | 383 | 279 |
| Virginia | 282 | 97 |
| Arkansas | 251 | 25 |
| Wisconsin | 242 | 58 |
| Alaska | 236 | 89 |
| Montana | 206 | 83 |
| South Carolina | 203 | 18 |
| Arizona | 187 | 67 |
| Vermont | 161 | 24 |
| Georgia | 149 | 66 |
Systems With the Most Radium-226 Violation Records
MAY VALLEY WA
BROOKWOOD COMM WTR SYSTEM
CITY OF BRADY WATER SYSTEM
WAUKESHA WATER UTILITY
CIRCLE H MHP
ABRAXAS UTILITIES
WEST JACKSON CO UTILITY DIST
VALLEY WC
COUNCIL CREEK VILLAGE
BONNE TERRE PWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Radium-226 and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Radium-226 can be associated with drinking water through: Erosion of natural deposits.
What reference value does this page show?
The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 5 pCi/L. Some substances use action levels or rule-specific thresholds instead, so verify the current EPA standard.
Does a historical violation record mean it is in my tap today?
No. A compliance record may be historical or resolved. Use the latest Consumer Confidence Report or a certified test for current local conditions.