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Maximum Acceptable Concentration for Drinking Water = 0.02 mg/L
In water, uranium has no taste, smell, or colour. It can only be detected through a chemical test. The Canadian drinking water quality guideline for uranium is 0.02 milligrams per litre (mg/L).
Health Risks
Uranium levels in drinking water above 0.02 mg/L can increase the risk of kidney damage. The risk to human health is through ingestion only – drinking, cooking, teeth brushing. Well water with uranium levels greater than 0.02 mg/L may be used for bathing, handwashing, and dishwashing. Phosphate fertilizers may contain uranium at an average concentration of 150 ppm and can also contribute uranium to groundwater.
Solutions
If uranium is present above 0.02 mg/L in the first test, get a second test to confirm the original results. If uranium is confirmed to be present above 0.02 mg/L in the well water,
• Find an alternate source of water for drinking, cooking, and teeth brushing, such as bottled water or a dug well that has been tested and found to be safe.
or
• Treat your current source of water to reduce uranium levels.