Radium in Rochester, NY Drinking Water
Radium data for Rochester, New York · 476,655 residents · 44 ZIP codes
Routine testing in Rochester, New York turned up Radium — samples from the public supply came back positive, placing this contaminant on the list of substances residents here have a concrete reason to look into.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Radium in Rochester Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Rochester, New York drinking water at a maximum level of 150 pCi/L — 30x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 476,655 residents across 44 ZIP codes in Rochester.
Rochester's overall water quality grade is B (72/100).
Is Radium in Rochester 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14602 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14603 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14604 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14605 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14606 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14607 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14608 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14609 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14610 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14611 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14612 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14613 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14614 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14615 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14616 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14617 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14618 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14619 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14620 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14621 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14622 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14623 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14624 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14625 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 14626 | 150 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| ...63 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Rochester: 100 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 Rochester 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.