Radium in Sacramento, CA Drinking Water
Radium data for Sacramento, California · 846,557 residents · 102 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Radium in Sacramento, California: the highest detected level is 4.2 pCi/L; the EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Radium carries a high health-risk designation.
If you rely on a public water system in Sacramento, California, Radium is a contaminant your utility has been required to test for - and EPA records show it has been detected at measurable levels, making it worth understanding as part of your tap water's detection record.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13
Radium in Sacramento Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Sacramento, California drinking water at a maximum level of 4.2 pCi/L — relative to the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).
This analysis covers 846,557 residents across 102 ZIP codes in Sacramento.
Sacramento's overall water quality grade is B (81/100).
Is Radium in Sacramento Water Safe?
Radium was detected in Sacramento 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94203 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94204 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94205 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94206 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94207 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94208 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94209 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94211 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94229 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94230 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94232 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94234 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94235 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94236 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94237 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94239 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94240 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94244 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94245 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94246 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94247 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94248 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94249 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94250 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 94252 | 4.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| ...75 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Sacramento: 4.2 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 Sacramento 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.