Gross Alpha Particle Activity in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

Gross Alpha Particle Activity is a radionuclide contaminant regulated in public drinking water systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this radiation at 15 pCi/L to protect public health. Monitoring is required to ensure drinking water remains below this safety standard.

Health Effects

Exposure to gross alpha particle activity in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Because of this health risk, keeping levels below the safety standard is important. Public water systems must take steps to address levels that exceed the federal limit.

How Gross Alpha Particle Activity Gets Into Tap Water

Gross alpha particle activity primarily enters water supplies from natural deposits in the earth. It can also contaminate drinking water as a result of mining waste. These sources can release alpha-emitting substances into local groundwater systems.

How to Remove Gross Alpha Particle Activity From Your Water

Effective water treatment methods are available to remove gross alpha particle activity from drinking water. Technologies such as reverse osmosis and ion exchange are commonly used to treat this radioactive contaminant. Households seeking treatment should look for systems utilizing these methods.

Should You Test Your Water?

You can check for gross alpha particle activity by reviewing your local water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or searching the WaterQ database. Private well owners, especially those near mining areas, should have their water tested by a certified laboratory. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Gross Alpha Particle Activity data page for reported levels in your area.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.