Radium in Prescott, AZ Drinking Water
Radium data for Prescott, Arizona · 65,412 residents · 6 ZIP codes
SDWIS federal records include Radium detections tied to water systems serving Prescott, Arizona.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Radium in Prescott Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Prescott, Arizona drinking water at a maximum level of 62.9 pCi/L — 12.58x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 65,412 residents across 6 ZIP codes in Prescott.
Prescott's overall water quality grade is F (32/100).
Is Radium in Prescott 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86301 | 62.9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 86302 | 62.9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 86303 | 62.9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 86304 | 62.9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 86305 | 62.9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 86313 | 62.9 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
Average radium level across Prescott: 62.9 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 Prescott 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.