Where can I find the analytical results from drinking water samples?
All RadNet drinking water sampling results are available on the RadNet Envirofacts website. For more information, visit RadNet. Return to Frequent Questions About RadNet.
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All RadNet drinking water sampling results are available on the RadNet Envirofacts website. For more information, visit RadNet. Return to Frequent Questions About RadNet.
Samples of precipitation such as rain, snow or sleet are collected at more than 25 stations across the U.S. Samples are collected using specially designed precipitation collection devices which funnel the precipitation into a bucket for transfer to a shipping container. EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) receives the…
The EPA’s RadNet monitoring network is designed to track fluctuations in airborne radioactive particles. RadNet does not track non-ionizing radiation that comes from power lines, transmitters, or cell phone networks like 5G.
EPA reports RadNet laboratory results in conventional units, as shown below with their international equivalents: Medium Conventional unit International SI unit Air Filter Curie (Ci) per cubic meter (m3) Becquerel (Bq) per cubic meter (m3) Precipitation and drinking water Curie (Ci) per liter (L) Becquerel (Bq) per liter (L) Results…
The EPA operates 140 radiation air monitors across the United States as part of its RadNet nationwide monitoring system. RadNet air monitors measure gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles as they collect on the monitor’s air filter. Near-real-time data are continually reviewed by computer, and if the results show…
It is very common for natural background radiation levels to change during precipitation events such as rain, sleet or snow. While there are many more factors that affect radiation levels than just precipitation, radon and radon decay products, which occur naturally may be captured in the precipitation and brought to…
More than 60 drinking water sampling locations reported results in the United States in 2018 as part of the RadNet monitoring network. Drinking water samples are typically collected four times a year from taps and are sent to the EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) for analysis. Each of…
The EPA monitors beta particles as part of the RadNet network through routine laboratory air filter analysis. RadNet air filters are sent to the EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) for measurement of gross beta air concentrations and further analysis if warranted. Analysis results for beta measurements on air…
RadNet operators ship air filters from the monitoring location to the EPA’s National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) for analysis. RadNet sample analysis on air filters is conducted following a routine schedule, unless analysis is accelerated after an emergency event. All air filters go through an initial screening for beta…
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets legal limits on the levels of certain radionuclides in drinking water. These limits are applicable to all federal, state and local jurisdictions, including local city public works facilities. Under SDWA, the Agency established a dose-based Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for…
The EPA's RadNet system monitors the nation's air, precipitation and drinking water to track radiation in the environment. Near-real-time Air Monitoring The RadNet system includes a network of 140 air monitors. These devices continuously collect radiation data and provide near-real-time, publicly-available measurements of gamma radiation emitted from particulates. In addition…
RadNet near-real-time air data are refreshed hourly during business hours, Monday through Friday. This hourly refresh ensures that the most up-to-date data are available for the last 24 hours. NOTE: All results are shown in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). To learn more, visit RadNet. Return to Frequent Questions About RadNet.
The EPA uses RadNet monitors to track fluctuations in gamma radiation emitted from airborne radioactive particles at each air monitoring site. Tracking these changes over time gives a picture of the normal, background levels at each monitoring location and allows EPA scientists to detect any unusual changes. A graph of…
The EPA's RadNet monitors are highly sophisticated devices that occasionally require maintenance and repair. Normally, near-real-time air monitoring data are posted to the RadNet website six times daily. Under certain circumstances a delay in data availability may occur (monitor maintenance or repair, or server/network connection issues). When these situations arise…
The RadNet system is the only nationwide monitoring network that provides continuous measurements of radiation levels across the United States during normal and emergency conditions. RadNet monitoring station locations were selected to provide optimum population and geographical coverage throughout the United States. Stations are widely dispersed throughout the nation, covering…