Radium in Pelham, AL Drinking Water
Radium data for Pelham, Alabama · 24,871 residents · 1 ZIP code
In Pelham, Alabama, Radium has been detected in the public water supply — a contaminant that health agencies track because of documented effects associated with prolonged exposure at elevated concentrations.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Radium in Pelham Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Pelham, Alabama drinking water at a maximum level of 6 pCi/L — 1.2x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 24,871 residents across 1 ZIP code in Pelham.
Pelham's overall water quality grade is C (68/100).
Is Radium in Pelham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35124 | 6 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
Average radium level across Pelham: 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 Pelham 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.