What is uranium?
Uranium is a natural metal that is unstable, releasing low levels of radiation as it breaks down. Uranium can be found at low levels in the environment in almost all rocks, soil, and air. Some rock types have more uranium than others.
How can I be exposed to uranium?
Food and drinking water are the main sources of exposure to uranium for most people.
Uranium in soil can stick to root crops (like potatoes, parsnips, and turnips) and build up to higher levels. The amount of uranium in these foods depends on the amount of uranium in the soil where they grow.
In most of the United States, low levels of uranium are found in the drinking water – but higher levels may be found in areas where the rocks and soil naturally have higher levels.
How can uranium affect my health?
The main health effect from drinking, eating, or breathing high levels of uranium is kidney damage. Most of the effects seen in humans are due to short-term exposure to high levels. Some workplace studies have shown a reversal of kidney effects after exposure ends. Long-term exposure to lower levels of uranium can also cause harm to the kidney.
What is the drinking water standard for uranium?
The EPA and Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of uranium is 0.03 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
In Massachusetts, local Boards of Health and Health Departments have the authority to regulate private wells. This may include setting criteria for their location, construction, water quality, and quantity. More information for residents who use private wells is available from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
What are the testing requirements for uranium?
In Massachusetts, public water systems are required to test for uranium for four consecutive quarters (every three months for a year). Based on the results, testing may occur less often with approval by MassDEP.
Available data
Use the Explore drinking water data link on this page to access the following measures for uranium in drinking water:
- Annual maximum concentration by number of Community Water Systems and people served
- Annual average concentration by number of Community Water Systems and people served
- Annual average concentration by Community Water System
- Drinking water violations by Community Water System
MA EPHT presents data for the following geographies: city/town, county, EP region, or EOHHS region. Data provided for public water systems only. The most current available data will be shown. Be sure to check the site periodically as new data are added.
Related links
Additional resources
Massachusetts
- Arsenic and uranium bedrock well study: Information from a 2009 study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on the presence of arsenic and uranium in drinking water wells in Eastern Massachusetts. Includes maps of arsenic and uranium probability zones
- MassDEP Guide to Water Quality Testing for Private Wells: Recommended water quality testing for private wells
National
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs on Uranium: Frequently asked health questions about uranium
- EPA Radionuclide Basics - Uranium: Information on uranium sources and health