Radiation (Gross Alpha) In Your Water

What is Gross Alpha and how does it get into water?

Gross Alpha is a measurement of combined alpha particle radioactivity from Radium & Uranium. Radioactive substances are those that are unstable in nature and emit radiation in a process called radioactive decay. These naturally occurring radioactive substances, Radium and Uranium, which are solid minerals in soil and rocks, are frequently found in ground water in New Jersey as they can be transported through the water aquifer into well water.

Why is Gross Alpha a concern?

Radioactivity is a health risk because energy emitted by radioactive materials can damage or kill cells and change DNA. Exposure to Radium and Gross Alpha Radiation in drinking water can increase the risk of cancer, kidney damage, and birth defects. Exposure to high levels of Uranium can contribute to kidney disease by interfering with
reabsorption of proteins, and Uranium in the bloodstream can be deposited in a person’s bones where it is likely to remain for several years. With continued ingestion of extremely high levels of radiation in water, individuals have experienced the debilitating Parkinson’s like effects of heavy metals poisoning. Because there is no safe level of
radiation, the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for Gross Alpha is 0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

For both public and private water supplies, The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) allowed is 15 pCi/L. The DEP recommends water treatment if Gross Alpha activity exceeds 15 pCi/L.

Well water that contains elevated levels of radioactive minerals sometimes increases the level of Radon in the air inside a home. Everyday actions like taking a shower, doing laundry, or running a dishwasher can release Radon into the air inside your home. Breathing air with elevated levels of Radon over a lifetime increases a person’s risk of getting lung cancer. We recommend also testing Radon in water to determine concentrations.

Interpreting Laboratory Results

If Gross Alpha activity is greater than 15 pCi/L, water treatment is recommended by the NJ DEP.

If Gross Alpha activity is greater than 5 pCi/L but less than 15 pCi/L, testing for Radium 226 and Radium 228 is advised. If the combined Radium levels are above 5 pCi/L, water treatment is recommended by the NJDEP. Alternatively, a homeowner may evaluate the additional cost of radium testing and determine whether it is better simply to proceed to water treatment.

If gross alpha activity is less than 5 pCi/L, no further action is required according to the NJDEP.

The laboratory results are represented in several fields on the report. Since Gross Alpha particle activity is highest when analyzed within 48 hours of sample collection, laboratories are required to analyze the water sample within 48 hours of collection to establish the Gross Alpha First Count. If this result is over 5 pCi/L, the laboratory analyzes the sample further to get a Gross Alpha Second Count. An Adjusted Gross Alpha level, which represents the remaining Radium in the water sample, is then determined by subtracting Uranium Alpha Activity from the Total Gross Alpha.

It is important to look at the sum of the Gross Alpha calculations, because that initial Gross Alpha level is the level the homeowner consumes the water at. Any levels over 5pCi/L are recommended to be treated. An RAdata water treatment specialist can review your water test results and recommend treatment based on the Gross Alpha levels.