Radium in Tucson, AZ Drinking Water
Radium data for Tucson, Arizona · 916,333 residents · 54 ZIP codes
EPA records show Radium detections in Tucson, Arizona water samples.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-04-05
Radium in Tucson Tap Water
Radium has been detected in Tucson, Arizona drinking water at a maximum level of 50 pCi/L — 10x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 916,333 residents across 54 ZIP codes in Tucson.
Tucson's overall water quality grade is D (53/100).
Is Radium in Tucson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85701 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85702 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85703 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85704 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85705 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85706 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85707 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85708 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85709 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85710 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85711 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85712 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85713 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85714 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85715 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85716 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85717 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85718 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85719 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85720 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85721 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85722 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85723 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85724 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| 85725 | 50 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228) | Exceeds limit |
| ...29 more ZIP codes |
Average radium level across Tucson: 50 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 Tucson 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.