Not every city shows Radium in its water data; in North Hollywood, California, federal sampling has confirmed its presence at detectable levels in at least one recent reporting cycle.

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

Radium in North Hollywood Tap Water

Radium has been detected in North Hollywood, California drinking water at a maximum level of 8 pCi/L — 1.6x the EPA MCL.

This analysis covers 105,603 residents across 11 ZIP codes in North Hollywood.

North Hollywood's overall water quality grade is C (57/100).

Is Radium in North Hollywood Water Safe?

Radium was detected in North Hollywood 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 North Hollywood: 8 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 North Hollywood 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
• North Hollywood Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code