Radium Contamination in Iowa

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,058 ZIP codes in Iowa for radium contamination. 69 ZIP codes have reported radium detections, and 2 have EPA violations on record.

The violation rate for radium in Iowa is 0.2% of all ZIP codes — lower than the national average.

EPA Standard for Radium

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for radium is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228), governed by the Radionuclides Rule. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Worst ZIP Codes for Radium in Iowa

These ZIP codes reported the highest radium levels in Iowa based on CCR reports and EPA data:

Lowest Radium Levels in Iowa

These ZIP codes had the lowest reported radium detections in Iowa:

Health Effects of Radium

Radium is a radioactive element that increases cancer risk, particularly bone cancer. It accumulates in bones because the body treats it like calcium. The EPA estimates that drinking water with 5 pCi/L of radium over a lifetime poses a 1 in 10,000 cancer risk.

How to Remove Radium From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for radium removal is Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange. Look for filters certified under NSF 58 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see radium data for your specific water system in Iowa.