CO-RADS
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Introduction
Uranium and radium are natural components of Colorado’s geology.
Some of these radionuclides will dissolve out of soils and mineral
deposits into water, resulting in areas with elevated levels of
radionuclides in groundwater. Many small community water systems
rely on groundwater as a drinking water source. Because of high
costs of treatment and waste disposal, several
small community systems
are currently out of compliance with standards set in the
Colorado
Primary Drinking Water Regulations for safe levels of radionuclides in
drinking water.
Health Impacts of Naturally-Occurring Radionuclides in Drinking
Water Supplies
The primary effect of long-term exposure to radionuclides is cancer.
It is important to note that cancer is found in one-third of the
population, regardless of exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals.
Drinking water standards and regulations are set to reduce any
additional exposure that can be avoided. Many years of exposure to
radiation and toxic chemicals can lead to unacceptable levels
of exposure and increased adverse health effects.
Radionuclides, such as radium and uranium, are unstable compounds
that degrade over time. As these compounds degrade, radiation is
emitted, generally in one of three forms: alpha particles, beta
particles, and gamma rays. When human tissue is exposed to such
emissions, the DNA may be damaged and thus increase the risk of
developing cancer. Alpha and beta particles are typically blocked
by the skin and do not pose a risk if a person is exposed from external
sources. Gamma rays can penetrate the skin and interact with
internal tissue. Radium and uranium found in drinking water do not
emit high amounts of gamma radiation, so bathing and showering do not
pose significant risk. However, if these radionuclides are inhaled
or consumed through drinking or eating, the emissions can come into
direct contact with sensitive tissues in the body. Uranium is also
a toxic heavy metal which can impact urinary tract/kidney systems over
time.
Colorado Radionuclide Abatement and Disposal Strategy (CO-RADS)
Ensuring safe drinking water for the citizens of Colorado is a high
priority for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
In 2007, the department's Water Quality Control Division launched the
Colorado Radionuclide Abatement and Disposal Strategy (CO-RADS) project to assist small, rural public water systems to
meet and maintain compliance with drinking water standards for
naturally-occurring radionuclides. CO-RADS is the largest compliance
assistance program ever implemented in the State, providing innovative
and unprecedented resources to help small water suppliers identify
options and secure available funding to bring their systems into
compliance.
CO-RADS is a voluntary program that will continue through 2011. The
strategy is divided into five phases:
Phase 1: Identify affected communities
Phase 2: Sample system source water supplies
Phase 3: Treatment and waste disposal evaluations
Phase 4: Technical, managerial, and financial capacity-building
Phase 5: Implementation
Phase 3 was completed in March of 2009 and activities for Phase 4 are
currently underway. The Phase 3 report is now available, and provides an overview of findings from the treatment and
waste disposal evaluations. Presentation materials from the June 2009
Phase 4 Regional Meetings are also available.
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