ZipCheckup's reading of Radium in Zimmerman, Minnesota: the highest detected level is 15.4 pCi/L; the EPA limit is 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228). Radium carries a high health-risk designation.

People in Zimmerman, Minnesota who get water from the public supply are among residents whose systems have returned Radium detections in EPA compliance testing.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-22

Radium in Zimmerman Tap Water

Radium has been detected in Zimmerman, Minnesota drinking water at a maximum level of 15.4 pCi/L — relative to the EPA MCL of 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228).

This analysis covers 17,768 residents across 1 ZIP code in Zimmerman.

Zimmerman's overall water quality grade is B (70/100).

Is Radium in Zimmerman 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

Average radium level across Zimmerman: 15.4 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 Zimmerman Water

1. Reverse osmosis (NSF 58 certified) removes 90%+ of radium
2. Ion exchange (water softeners) can reduce radium
3. Point-of-use RO at kitchen tap is most cost-effective
4. GAC filters alone are NOT effective for radium

Look for filters certified under NSF 58 for radium removal.

Related

• Radium — National Overview
• Radium in Minnesota
• Minnesota Water Quality
• Zimmerman Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code