Radium in Mobile, AL Drinking Water
Radium data for Mobile, Alabama · 266,822 residents · 36 ZIP codes
At elevated levels, Radium is a recognized health concern in drinking water; in Mobile, Alabama, it has been detected in recent samples logged through federal compliance reporting.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Radium in Mobile Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Mobile, Alabama drinking water at a maximum level of 6 pCi/L — 1.2x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 266,822 residents across 36 ZIP codes in Mobile.
Mobile's overall water quality grade is A (85/100).
Is Radium in Mobile Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or ion exchange filter certified under NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Radium Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Radium Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36601 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36602 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36603 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36604 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36605 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36606 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36607 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36608 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36609 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36610 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36611 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36612 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36615 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36616 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36617 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36618 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36619 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36625 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36628 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36630 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36633 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36640 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36641 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36644 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 36652 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| ...11 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Mobile: 6 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 Mobile 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.