Radium in water install#

A replacement well must be dug to a depth where acceptable radium concentrations have been found.

Radium in water install#

Well owners may choose to install a replacement well or water treatment unit to remove radium. In Northern Anne Arundel County, residents with well water are encouraged to test for radium as studies have confirmed radium present in the area’s groundwater. While radium exposure in a glass of water will not likely cause harmful effects, it’s still important, as with any contaminant like arsenic or lead, to remediate any high levels of radium in your home’s water. Some of these effects may take years to develop. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports exposure to higher levels of radium over a long period of time may result in harmful effects including anemia, cataracts, fractured teeth, cancer (especially bone cancer), and death.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined legal limits for radium-226 and radium-228 in drinking water. There are three types of radium found in groundwater-224, 226 and 228. This energy is part of the natural radiation to which all living creatures are exposed. As radium decays, it continually releases energy into the environment until a stable, nonradioactive substance forms. It is the most commonly found radioactive element in tap water. Radium is also released from mining, industrial and medical waste and nuclear reactors. Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in groundwater, especially where acidic conditions are present. that focuses on environmental issues and public health, shows instances where levels of radium are above health guidelines in Maryland.

New information from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit advocacy organization in Washington D.C. Radium detected in groundwater is not a new phenomenon, however, recent news about radium levels in Maryland’s drinking water has elevated interest.