Detected Radium

Radium in Sterling, IL Drinking Water

Q: Is radium in Sterling water safe?

Radium was detected in Sterling water at 4 pCi/L, below the EPA limit of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Check ZIP-level data on this page for your specific area.

Q: How much radium is in Sterling water?

The maximum detected level of radium in Sterling water is 4 pCi/L. The EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). See the ZIP code table above for area-specific levels.

Radium data for Sterling, Illinois · 20,916 residents · 1 ZIP code

ZipCheckup's reading of Radium in Sterling, Illinois: the highest detected level is 4 pCi/L; the EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Radium carries a high health-risk designation.

Over the past reporting period, water systems in Sterling, Illinois have recorded Radium at detectable concentrations in EPA compliance samples.

4 pCi/L

Max Level Detected

4 pCi/L

Average Level

5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228)

EPA MCL

High

Health Risk

Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange

Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

Radium in Sterling Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Sterling, Illinois drinking water at a maximum level of 4 pCi/L — relative to the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).

This analysis covers 20,916 residents across 1 ZIP code in Sterling.

Sterling's overall water quality grade is C (57/100).

Is Radium in Sterling Water Safe?

Radium was detected in Sterling 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
61081	4 pCi/L	5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228)	Not comparable

Average radium level across Sterling: 4 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 Sterling 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.

Home → Contaminants → Radium → Illinois → Sterling

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Radium in Sterling, IL Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/radium/sterling-il/

BibTeX

@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-radium-sterling-il,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Radium in Sterling, IL Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/radium/sterling-il/}
}

Data as of July 2026.