Uranium
A naturally occurring radioactive element found in some groundwater sources.
Source
Natural deposits in rock and soil, mining operations.
Health Risk
Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk and affect kidney function.
Filter Tip
Reverse osmosis and ion exchange can reduce uranium levels in drinking water.
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in rock, soil, and groundwater. It enters drinking water by dissolving from underground deposits, particularly in areas with granitic rock. Uranium contamination is both a chemical and radiological concern.
The EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level for uranium is 30 parts per billion (ppb). This limit addresses the chemical toxicity of uranium, which is actually a greater concern than its radioactivity at levels found in drinking water.
Why Is Uranium in Water a Concern?
- Kidney damage: The primary health effect — uranium is a chemical toxin that damages kidney tubules
- Increased cancer risk from long-term exposure
- Bone effects — uranium can accumulate in bones
- Reproductive and developmental concerns
Where Is Uranium Found in Water?
Uranium in groundwater is most common in the western US (Colorado Plateau, Rocky Mountains), the Great Plains, parts of New England, and areas near uranium mining or processing facilities. It is primarily a groundwater issue — surface water typically has lower levels.
How to Remove Uranium From Your Water
- Reverse Osmosis: Removes 90-99% of uranium — the most effective home treatment
- Ion Exchange: Strong-base anion exchange is effective for uranium
- Distillation: Effective but impractical for large volumes
Standard carbon filters are NOT effective for uranium removal.
Uranium Levels in US Cities
Based on verified municipal water quality reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) from 1 cities.
Detected Within Limits (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uranium in water radioactive?
Yes, but the health risk from uranium in drinking water is primarily from its chemical toxicity to the kidneys, not its radioactivity. At the levels found in drinking water, the radiation dose is very low compared to natural background radiation.
What areas have uranium in water?
Uranium is most common in groundwater in the western US (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah), parts of the Great Plains, and some areas of New England. The Navajo Nation has been particularly affected by uranium contamination from historical mining.
Does boiling water remove uranium?
No. Boiling concentrates uranium as water evaporates. Use a reverse osmosis filter or bottled water if your water has uranium above the EPA limit of 30 ppb.
Related Contaminants
Arsenic
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil that can dissolve into groundwater.
Lead
A toxic heavy metal that typically enters drinking water through corroding pipes, faucets, and solder — not from the water source itself.
Nitrate
A compound found naturally in soil and water, but elevated levels usually indicate contamination from fertilizers or sewage.