Water quality records for Playa Del Rey, California show Radium detections on file — a finding that places it among the contaminants worth tracking for this area.

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

Radium in Playa Del Rey Tap Water

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

This analysis covers 3,875,566 residents across 2 ZIP codes in Playa Del Rey.

Playa Del Rey's overall water quality grade is D (54/100).

Is Radium in Playa Del Rey Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Playa Del Rey 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 Playa Del Rey: 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 Playa Del Rey 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
• Playa Del Rey Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code