Radium in Boys Town, NE Drinking Water
Radium data for Boys Town, Nebraska · 660,000 residents · 1 ZIP code
At elevated levels, Radium is a recognized health concern in drinking water; in Boys Town, Nebraska, it has been detected in recent samples logged through federal compliance reporting.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Radium in Boys Town Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Boys Town, Nebraska drinking water at a maximum level of 11.8 pCi/L — 2.36x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 660,000 residents across 1 ZIP code in Boys Town.
Boys Town's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).
Is Radium in Boys Town Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Radium Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Radium Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68010 | 11.8 pCi/l | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 68010 | 4.6 pCi/l | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | OK |
Average radium level across Boys Town: 8.2 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 Boys Town Water
- Reverse osmosis (NSF 58 certified) removes 90%+ of radium
- Ion exchange (water softeners) can reduce radium
- Point-of-use RO at kitchen tap is most cost-effective
- GAC filters alone are NOT effective for radium
Look for filters certified under NSF 58 for radium removal.