Uranium in Public Water and Health
is a naturally and commonly occurring radioactive element. Because uranium is found everywhere in small amounts, people always take it into the body from the air, water, food, and soil. In most areas of the United States, low levels of uranium are found in the drinking water. Higher levels may be found in areas with elevated levels of naturally occurring uranium in rocks and soil. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for uranium in drinking water is 30 mcg/L.
Exposure and Risk
Because uranium is found everywhere in small amounts, people are always exposed from the air, water, food, and soil. In most areas of the United States, low levels of uranium are found in the drinking water. Higher levels may be found in areas with elevated levels of naturally occurring uranium in rocks and soil.
The chemical effects of uranium in drinking water are of greater concern than the possible effects of its radioactivity. Bathing and showering with water that contains uranium is not a health concern.
People who work at factories that process uranium, work with phosphate fertilizers, or live near uranium mines have a chance of taking in more uranium than most other people. Larger-than-normal amounts of uranium might also enter the environment from erosion of tailings from mines and mills for uranium and other metals. Accidental discharges from uranium processing plants are possible, but these compounds spread out quickly into the air.
Prevention
Community Public Water Supplies are already being tested for uranium and other radionuclides, and are required to provide that information each year to consumers in the annual Consumer Confidence Report.