,"Health Canada has formally established maximum limits for naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water, with the standards taking immediate effect following their publication in the Canada Gazette. The new requirements aim to strengthen the protection of public health by ensuring consistent monitoring and control of radioactive substances in drinking water supplies.
Key Provisions
1. Screening Requirements
Drinking water must first undergo screening tests for:
Gross alpha radiation: 0.5 Bq/L
Gross beta radiation: 1 Bq/L
Individual radionuclide analysis is required only if one or both screening levels are exceeded, reducing unnecessary testing while ensuring safety.
2. Maximum Limits for Specific Radionuclides
Health Canada has set the following maximum allowable concentrations for naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water:
Lead-210: ≤ 2 Bq/L
Radium-226: ≤ 5 Bq/L
Radium-228: ≤ 2 Bq/L
Regulatory Impact
Provides clear, enforceable limits for radionuclides in drinking water
Establishes a risk-based, tiered testing approach
Enhances consistency in drinking water safety management across Canada
Supports public health protection against long-term exposure to radioactive contaminants"