Radium in New York Drinking Water — 6 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for radium in New York drinking water systems
Radium Contamination in New York
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 2,186 ZIP codes in New York for radium contamination. 6 ZIP codes have reported radium detections, and 15 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for radium in New York is 0.7% of all ZIP codes — lower than 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 New York
These ZIP codes reported the highest radium levels in New York based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Radium Levels in New York
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported radium detections in New York:
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 New York.
Worst ZIP Codes for Radium in New York
Ranked by highest radium detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11050 | Port Washington | 3.29 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 2 | 11051 | Port Washington | 3.29 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 3 | 11052 | Port Washington | 3.29 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 4 | 11053 | Port Washington | 3.29 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 5 | 11054 | Port Washington | 3.29 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 6 | 11055 | Port Washington | 3.29 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | Within Limit |
Lowest Radium Levels in New York
Cities with Radium Data in New York
12 cities in New York have radium testing data available.