Strontium-90 in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

Strontium-90 is a radionuclide contaminant that can sometimes be found in drinking water. It is classified under the radionuclide category by the EPA, which has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 8 pCi/L for this substance. Monitoring and regulating this contaminant helps ensure that public drinking water supplies remain safe.

Health Effects

Exposure to Strontium-90 in drinking water is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Consuming water with elevated levels of this radionuclide over time can increase this health risk. Because of these potential long-term health concerns, maintaining levels below the established MCL is critical.

How Strontium-90 Gets Into Tap Water

Strontium-90 is introduced into the environment primarily through nuclear weapons fallout. It can also enter water systems due to releases from nuclear power plants. These activities can result in the radionuclide settling into soil and contaminating water supplies.

How to Remove Strontium-90 From Your Water

Specific treatment systems are capable of reducing the levels of this contaminant. Treatment methods such as lime softening and ion exchange are commonly utilized to remove Strontium-90 from drinking water. These processes are effective at lowering radionuclide concentrations to safe levels.

Should You Test Your Water?

You can check your local consumer confidence report or search the WaterQ database to see if Strontium-90 has been detected in your municipal water supply. If you rely on a private well near potential sources of radionuclide contamination, consider having your water tested by a certified laboratory. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Strontium-90 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.