Detected Radium

Radium in Harleysville, PA Drinking Water

Radium data for Harleysville, Pennsylvania · 25,184 residents · 2 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of Radium in Harleysville, Pennsylvania: the highest detected level is 8.26 pCi/L; the EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Radium carries a high health-risk designation.

For residents of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, Radium has appeared in public water supply sampling data.

8.26 pCi/L
Max Level Detected
8.26 pCi/L
Average Level
5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

Radium in Harleysville Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Harleysville, Pennsylvania drinking water at a maximum level of 8.26 pCi/L — relative to the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).

This analysis covers 25,184 residents across 2 ZIP codes in Harleysville.

Harleysville's overall water quality grade is D (43/100).

Is Radium in Harleysville Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Harleysville 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
19438 8.26 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) Not comparable

Average radium level across Harleysville: 8.26 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 Harleysville 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

HomeContaminantsRadiumPennsylvania → Harleysville

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Radium in Harleysville, PA Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/radium/harleysville-pa/
BibTeX
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-radium-harleysville-pa,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Radium in Harleysville, PA Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/radium/harleysville-pa/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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