Radionuclides in Drinking Water
All Community and Municipal Public Water Systems must test for radionuclides as directed by IDEM. Testing is on a schedule based upon your water supply and for most systems this is every 3, 6 or 9 years, although some systems may be done annually or in rare cases, quarterly.
Drinking Water can be tested for private water supplies and well water sources that are not reported to IDEM.
Testing includes Gross Alpha and Gross Beta particles, Radium-226 and Radium-228.
Radium causes cancer when consumed in high doses. Radium is a chronic contaminant. Long-term exposure to high levels of radium can cause an increased incidence of bone, liver, or breast cancer. Radium is a naturally occurring contaminant in drinking water due to its presence in most major rock types found in Indiana.
Public Water Utilities
Private Citizens using Well Water
IDEM, DNR, other State Agencies and Institutions
$100 per sample plus shipping.
The entire provided container must be filled and received at the lab within 5 days of collection or the sample will be rejected. A Chain of Custody must be completed included with the submission.
Sample Collection Containers will be sent after an order is received. Drinking Water are collected in a provided 1-gallon cubitainers.
A separate 1-gallon bottle is required for each Point of Entry (POE) of your water system.
Order kits using the link below:
Access Indiana: Home
One kit equals one test.
Include Chain of Custody
Shipping address is:
Radiochemistry Lab
IDOH Laboratory
Suite B
550 W 16th St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Compliance samples are reported to IDEM electronically. Reports for private citizens will be emailed. Due to the low levels of radioactivity and EPA method requirements, turnaround time is about 4 months.
Please email IDOHCHemistryLab@health.in.gov
