Detected Radium

Radium in Oklahoma City, OK Drinking Water

Radium data for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma · 676,545 residents · 79 ZIP codes

Recent water testing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has returned Radium readings above detection thresholds.

4.55 pCi/L
Max Level Detected
3.04 pCi/L
Average Level
5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
Best Filter Method

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

Radium in Oklahoma City Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma drinking water at a maximum level of 4.55 pCi/L — below the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).

This analysis covers 676,545 residents across 79 ZIP codes in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City's overall water quality grade is A (90/100).

Is Radium in Oklahoma City Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Oklahoma City 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
73110 4.55 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73130 4.55 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73101 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73102 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73103 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73104 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73105 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73106 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73107 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73108 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73109 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73111 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73112 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73113 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73114 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73115 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73116 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73117 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73118 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73119 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73120 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73121 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73122 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73123 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
73124 3 pCi/L 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) OK
...54 more ZIP codes

Average radium level across Oklahoma City: 3.04 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 Oklahoma City 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.

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