National Drinking Water Database
National Drinking Water Database - Chemical Contaminants
Alpha particle activity (suspended)
Status: Regulated - EPA has established a maximum legal limit in tapwater for this contaminant.
Alpha particles are a form of radiation released from mining waste polluants and natural sources. [read more]
Detected |
Found above health guidelines |
Found above legal limit |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| States | 1 |
- |
- |
| Water utilities | 2 |
- |
- |
| People Served | 3,930 |
- |
- |
Alpha particle activity (suspended) Exposure by State
Water utilities in 1 states have reported detecting Alpha particle activity (suspended) in treated tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies.
| State | Water Suppliers with Alpha particle activity (suspended) contamination | |
|---|---|---|
| Systems | Population | |
| New York | 2 | 3,930 |
| Total | 2 | 3,930 |
The Most Polluted Communities
2 water utilities reported detecting Alpha particle activity (suspended) in tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies
Ranked by highest average Alpha particle activity (suspended) level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Camphill Village Usa Inc Copake, NY | 235 | 1 of 1 | 7.8 pCi/L (7.8 pCi/L) |
| 2 | Lyons Village Lyons, NY | 3,695 | 1 of 1 | 2.1 pCi/L (2.1 pCi/L) |
Health Based Limits for Alpha particle activity (suspended)
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) | The enforceable standard which defines the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to health-based limits (Maximum Contaminant Level Goals, or MCLGs) as feasible using the best available analytical and treatment technologies and taking cost into consideration. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 15 pCi/L |
Testing Summary for Alpha particle activity (suspended)
| Are tests routinely required for Alpha particle activity (suspended) by federal law? | Yes |
| Water suppliers reporting tests for Alpha particle activity (suspended) (2005-2008): | 14 of 47,576 |
| Average testing rate for water supplier reporting tests (2005-2008): | 0.3 per year |