Testing and Monitoring of Radiologicals in Drinking Water

Abstract

The presence of radionuclides in drinking water can be attributed to natural sources or the result of human activities. Environmental levels of natural radionuclides may be increased by industrial processes. The Health Canada drinking water guidelines include maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) for the seven most commonly detected natural and artificial radionuclides. This presentation will focus on the analytical screening scheme, monitoring programs, sample collection, storage and analysis procedures for gross alpha and beta as well as for the individual regulated radionuclides. Radiological results from a 2006 and 2010 Saskatchewan drinking water study will be discussed.