Radium in Missouri Drinking Water — 131 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for radium in Missouri drinking water systems
Radium Contamination in Missouri
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,161 ZIP codes in Missouri for radium contamination. 131 ZIP codes have reported radium detections, and 46 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for radium in Missouri is 4% of all ZIP codes — roughly in line with 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 Missouri
These ZIP codes reported the highest radium levels in Missouri based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Radium Levels in Missouri
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported radium detections in Missouri:
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 Missouri.
Worst ZIP Codes for Radium in Missouri
Ranked by highest radium detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 63640 | Farmington | 16.9 ug/l | 30 ug/l | Within Limit |
| 2 | 63651 | Knob Lick | 16.9 ug/l | 30 ug/l | Within Limit |
| 3 | 63365 | New Melle | 14.3 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 4 | 63648 | Irondale | 14.1 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 5 | 63653 | Leadwood | 14.1 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 6 | 63347 | Foley | 13.7 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 7 | 63369 | Old Monroe | 13.7 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 8 | 63389 | Winfield | 13.7 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 9 | 63387 | Whiteside | 13 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 10 | 65240 | Centralia | 12.5 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 11 | 63673 | Saint Mary | 10.9 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 12 | 65676 | Isabella | 10.9 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 13 | 65715 | Noble | 10.9 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 14 | 65729 | Pontiac | 10.9 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 15 | 65761 | Theodosia | 10.9 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 16 | 65231 | Auxvasse | 10.8 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 17 | 65262 | Kingdom City | 10.8 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 18 | 63379 | Troy | 10.6 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 19 | 65734 | Purdy | 10.1 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
| 20 | 65255 | Hallsville | 9.8 pCi/l | 15 pCi/l | Within Limit |
Lowest Radium Levels in Missouri
Cities with Radium Data in Missouri
33 cities in Missouri have radium testing data available.
+ 13 more cities