Radium in Des Moines, IA Drinking Water
Radium data for Des Moines, Iowa · 255,680 residents · 58 ZIP codes
Because Radium is associated with health effects at sustained elevated exposures, residents in Des Moines, Iowa may find it useful that local water systems have returned detectable concentrations — facts that bear on long-term household water decisions.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Radium in Des Moines Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Des Moines, Iowa drinking water at a maximum level of 9 pCi/L — 1.8x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 255,680 residents across 58 ZIP codes in Des Moines.
Des Moines's overall water quality grade is C (62/100).
Is Radium in Des Moines Water Safe?
Radium was detected in Des Moines 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
| ZIP Code | Radium Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50301 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50302 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50303 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50304 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50305 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50306 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50307 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50308 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50309 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50310 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50311 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50312 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50313 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50314 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50315 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50316 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50317 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50318 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50319 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50320 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50321 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50328 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50329 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50330 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 50331 | 9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| ...33 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Des Moines: 9 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 Des Moines 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.