ABSTRACT
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its intention to propose national interim primary drinking water regulations for several radionuclides not currently regulated, including uranium. Since uranium is a known or probable human carcinogen, under EPA rules, it requires a MCLG in drinking water of zero. High levels of naturally occurring uranium in water are most prevalent in the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountain region. With respect to small public systems and private wells in the Front Range area of Colorado west of Denver, two sampling programs have identified gross alpha and uranium levels of concern. Health effects research has indicated that uranium is known to be toxic to kidneys. An additional health threat from ingestion of uranium is that of bone cancer. Since uranium is a known or probable human carcinogen, under EPA rules, it requires a MCLG in drinking water of zero.
