National Drinking Water Database
Alpha particle activity in New York
Alpha particles are a form of radiation released from mining waste pollutants and natural sources. [read more]
The Most Polluted Communities in New York
501 water utilities reported detecting Alpha particle activity 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 level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakridge Water District South Salem, NY | 892 | 12 of 12 | 24.18 pCi/L (11.8 to 35.35 pCi/L) |
| 2 | Highfields Condo Putnam Valley, NY | 50 | 13 of 13 | 20.65 pCi/L (10.5 to 28.5 pCi/L) |
| 3 | Cedar Valley Waterworks Hyde Park, NY | 375 | 3 of 3 | 17.58 pCi/L (5.4 to 35.95 pCi/L) |
| 4 | Lime Ridge Farm Mahopac Falls, NY | 25 | 11 of 11 | 17.44 pCi/L (11.4 to 29.1 pCi/L) |
| 5 | Pawling Village Pawling, NY | 2,181 | 2 of 2 | 16.45 pCi/L (9.8 to 23.1 pCi/L) |
| 6 | Cedar Meadow Water Corp/Cameo Farm Poughquag, NY | 200 | 13 of 15 | 16.2 pCi/L (0 to 26.5 pCi/L) |
| 7 | Croton Falls Water District North Salem, NY | 175 | 8 of 8 | 15.7 pCi/L (10.3 to 22.3 pCi/L) |
| 8 | Somers Chase Water Works Corp Bedford, NY | 224 | 11 of 11 | 15.3 pCi/L (6.35 to 24.3 pCi/L) |
| 9 | Cornwall Meadows Townhomes W.S. Bedford, NY | 230 | 16 of 16 | 15.04 pCi/L (4.5 to 36.8 pCi/L) |
| 10 | Shorehaven Civic Assoc Holmes, NY | 300 | 17 of 17 | 14.92 pCi/L (7.6 to 29.35 pCi/L) |
Health Based Limits for Alpha particle activity
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Contaminant Limit Goal (MCLG) | A non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 0 pCi/L |
| 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 |
Violation Summary for Alpha particle activity in New York
Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency includes the following violations of federal standards in New York since 2004
| Violation Type | Number of Violations |
|---|---|
| Failure to monitor regularly | 74 |
| Over maximum contaminant level, Average | 2 |