People in Lake Elsinore, California who get water from the public supply are among residents whose systems have returned Radium detections in EPA compliance testing.

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

Radium in Lake Elsinore Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Lake Elsinore, California drinking water at a maximum level of 13 pCi/L — 2.6x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 169,455 residents across 3 ZIP codes in Lake Elsinore.

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

Is Radium in Lake Elsinore Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Lake Elsinore 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 Elsinore: 13 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 Elsinore 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 California
• California Water Quality
• Lake Elsinore Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code