Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Absecon, New Jersey, that tracking has turned up Radium — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05

Radium in Absecon Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Absecon, New Jersey drinking water at a maximum level of 12.2 pCi/L — 2.44x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 38,303 residents across 2 ZIP codes in Absecon.

Absecon's overall water quality grade is C (60/100).

Is Radium in Absecon Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Absecon water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA MCL may not be protective enough.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter can reduce radium levels further.

Radium Levels by ZIP Code

Average radium level across Absecon: 12.2 pCi/L

Health Effects of Radium

• Increased risk of bone cancer (radium accumulates in bones)
• The body treats radium like calcium, storing it in bones
• Lifetime cancer risk of ~1 in 10,000 at 5 pCi/L
• No safe threshold for radioactive contamination

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Radionuclides Rule.

How Radium Gets Into Drinking Water

• Natural radioactive decay in underground rock formations
• Groundwater sources (especially deep wells)
• Mining and industrial waste
• Higher in regions with specific geology (Midwest, parts of South)

What to Do About Radium in Absecon Water

1. Reverse osmosis (NSF 58 certified) removes 90%+ of radium
2. Ion exchange (water softeners) can reduce radium
3. Point-of-use RO at kitchen tap is most cost-effective
4. GAC filters alone are NOT effective for radium

Look for filters certified under NSF 58 for radium removal.

Related

• Radium — National Overview
• New Jersey Water Quality
• Absecon Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code