Radium in Saint Louis, MO Drinking Water
Radium data for Saint Louis, Missouri · 891,907 residents · 68 ZIP codes
ZipCheckup's reading of Radium in Saint Louis, Missouri: the highest detected level is 5.2 pCi/L; the EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Radium carries a high health-risk designation.
Within Saint Louis, Missouri, Radium has been detected in water samples drawn from the public supply - the results are part of the official EPA compliance record for systems here.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13
Radium in Saint Louis Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Saint Louis, Missouri drinking water at a maximum level of 5.2 pCi/L — relative to the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).
This analysis covers 891,907 residents across 68 ZIP codes in Saint Louis.
Saint Louis's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).
Is Radium in Saint Louis 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63101 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63102 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63103 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63104 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63106 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63107 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63108 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63110 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63111 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63113 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63118 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63145 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63150 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63151 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63155 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63156 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63157 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63158 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63160 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63163 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63164 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63166 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63167 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63169 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| 63171 | 5.2 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Not comparable |
| ...9 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Saint Louis: 5.2 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 Saint Louis 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.