Radium in Lincoln, NE Drinking Water
Radium data for Lincoln, Nebraska · 301,026 residents · 29 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Radium in Lincoln, Nebraska: the highest detected level is 11 pCi/L; the EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Radium carries a high health-risk designation.
Routine testing in Lincoln, Nebraska turned up Radium - samples from the public supply came back positive, placing this contaminant on the list of substances residents here have a concrete reason to look into.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13
Radium in Lincoln Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Lincoln, Nebraska drinking water at a maximum level of 11 pCi/L — relative to the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).
This analysis covers 301,026 residents across 29 ZIP codes in Lincoln.
Lincoln's overall water quality grade is C (67/100).
Is Radium in Lincoln Water Safe?
Radium was detected in Lincoln 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68501 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68502 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68503 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68504 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68505 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68506 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68507 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68508 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68509 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68510 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68512 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68514 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68516 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68517 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68520 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68521 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68522 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68523 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68524 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68526 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68527 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68528 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68529 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68531 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 68532 | 11 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| ...4 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Lincoln: 11 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 Lincoln 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.