Radium in Washington Drinking Water — 7 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for radium in Washington drinking water systems
Radium Contamination in Washington
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 726 ZIP codes in Washington for radium contamination. 7 ZIP codes have reported radium detections, and 0 have EPA violations on record.
EPA Standard for Radium
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for radium is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228), governed by the Radionuclides Rule. Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Radium in Washington
These ZIP codes reported the highest radium levels in Washington based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Radium Levels in Washington
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported radium detections in Washington:
Health Effects of Radium
Radium is a radioactive element that increases cancer risk, particularly bone cancer. It accumulates in bones because the body treats it like calcium. The EPA estimates that drinking water with 5 pCi/L of radium over a lifetime poses a 1 in 10,000 cancer risk.
How to Remove Radium From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for radium removal is Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange. Look for filters certified under NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see radium data for your specific water system in Washington.
Worst ZIP Codes for Radium in Washington
Ranked by highest radium detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 99352 | Richland | 9.5 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 2 | 99353 | West Richland | 9.5 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 3 | 99354 | Richland | 9.5 pCi/L | 15 pCi/L | Within Limit |
| 4 | 98258 | Lake Stevens | 3.9 PCI/L | 5 PCI/L | Within Limit |
| 5 | 98259 | North Lakewood | 3.9 PCI/L | 5 PCI/L | Within Limit |
| 6 | 98270 | Marysville | 3.9 PCI/L | 5 PCI/L | Within Limit |
| 7 | 98271 | Marysville | 3.9 PCI/L | 5 PCI/L | Within Limit |
Lowest Radium Levels in Washington
Cities with Radium Data in Washington
6 cities in Washington have radium testing data available.