Radiological
Radium (combined -226 & -228) in your water
Health effects
Radium is a naturally radioactive element that leaches from rock into groundwater. Long-term exposure increases the risk of bone cancer and other cancers because it concentrates in bone. The federal limit covers the combined activity of radium-226 and radium-228.
The guideline vs. the legal limit
The federal legal limit is the maximum allowed by law. The EWG health guideline is what independent scientists consider safe — it is often far stricter.
Health guideline (EWG)
0.05 pCi/L
Federal legal limit (MCL)
5 pCi/L
Source: EWG Tap Water Database & EPA MCLs · 2026
What removes Radium (combined -226 & -228)
Culligan · Water Softeners
Culligan High Efficiency (HE) Water Softener
- type
- salt-based ion exchange
- smart
- true
- flow gpm
- 10-20
Kinetico · Water Softeners
Kinetico Premier Series Water Softener
- type
- non-electric twin-tank ion exchange
- smart
- false
- flow gpm
- up to 24
RainSoft (Aquion) · Water Softeners
RainSoft EC5 Water Conditioning System
- type
- salt-based ion exchange
- smart
- true
- flow gpm
- varies by tank
SoftPro (Quality Water Treatment) · Water Softeners
SoftPro Elite Water Softener
- type
- salt-based upflow ion exchange
- smart
- true
- flow gpm
- up to 20
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Is Radium (combined -226 & -228) in your water?
Check your city's public record, then book a free 30-minute test to confirm what's in your home.