Not every city shows Radium in its water data; in Lake Charles, Louisiana, federal sampling has confirmed its presence at detectable levels in at least one recent reporting cycle.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Radium in Lake Charles Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Lake Charles, Louisiana drinking water at a maximum level of 2.93 pCi/L — below the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).

This analysis covers 114,689 residents across 11 ZIP codes in Lake Charles.

Lake Charles's overall water quality grade is B (78/100).

Is Radium in Lake Charles Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles: 2.93 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 Lake Charles 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
• Radium in Louisiana
• Louisiana Water Quality
• Lake Charles Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code