Strontium Contamination

Strontium in Utah Drinking Water

Ranked by max strontium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over HRL

16%

% Over HRL

823.6 µg/L

State Avg

▲ 10% vs national

vs National

150

Health Violations

Analysis

Strontium in Utah: what the data shows

Utah has 44 cities with strontium data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Strontium was detected above the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level in 7 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 823.6 µg/L. Strontium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in areas with limestone and dolomite geology. It can also enter water from industrial waste and mining operations. There is no federal MCL for strontium, but the EPA established a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L. Long-term exposure to strontium above the HRL may affect bone health, particularly in children, by substituting for calcium in developing bones. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1,500 µg/L EPA HRL (no MCL)

Utah

16%

7 of 44 cities

→ ▲ 10% above national rate (worse)

National avg

250 of 4371 cities

City Map

Strontium data across Utah

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 strontium testing data. Cities where strontium exceeds the 1,500 µg/L EPA health reference level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by strontium level in Utah

Highest Strontium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Utah cities ranked by strontium level

#	City	Level	Over HRL?	Violations	Grade
1	Eagle Mountain	5593.0 µg/L	Over HRL	25	D
2	Orem	1943.0 µg/L	Over HRL	76	F
3	Draper	1936.0 µg/L	Over HRL	18	F
4	Salt Lake City	1896.1 µg/L	Over HRL	26	F
5	Coalville	1715.0 µg/L	Over HRL	21	F
6	Hurricane	1700.0 µg/L	Over HRL	8	C+
7	Ephraim	1620.0 µg/L	Over HRL	1	A-
8	Herriman	1121.1 µg/L	No	13	D+
9	Riverton	1049.4 µg/L	No	1	B+
10	West Jordan	999.3 µg/L	No	7	C+
11	St George City	960.0 µg/L	No	4	B+
12	Saratoga Springs	950.7 µg/L	No	16	F
13	Morni	930.0 µg/L	No	2	D
14	Tooele	900.0 µg/L	No	5	F
15	Provo	780.0 µg/L	No	45	D
16	Spanish Fork	725.5 µg/L	No	26	F
17	Lehi	696.1 µg/L	No	17	F
18	Springville	673.7 µg/L	No	8	C
19	Kearns	643.7 µg/L	No	6	B
20	North Salt Lake	620.0 µg/L	No	4	C-
21	Clinton	461.4 µg/L	No	9	C+
22	Bountiful	456.8 µg/L	No	9	D
23	Magna	455.6 µg/L	No	1	B+
24	Fielding	450.0 µg/L	No	12	C+
25	Heber City	427.6 µg/L	No	34	F
26	Kaysville	424.7 µg/L	No	7	C+
27	Price	421.0 µg/L	No	5	D
28	South Jordan	420.2 µg/L	No	4	C+
29	Sandy	414.9 µg/L	No	13	F
30	Cedar City	410.0 µg/L	No	115	F
31	Ogden	399.3 µg/L	No	5	F
32	Elwood	389.1 µg/L	No	8	B-
33	Roy	382.3 µg/L	No	1	B-
34	Brigham City	381.0 µg/L	No	14	C-
35	Syracuse	366.4 µg/L	No	3	B-
36	Plain City	358.5 µg/L	No	2	B
37	Farr West	342.4 µg/L	No	7	B-
38	Layton	320.9 µg/L	No	1	A-
39	Bluffdale	312.8 µg/L	No	7	C
40	Payson	296.3 µg/L	No	19	D
41	Helper	280.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
42	Wellsville	273.0 µg/L	No	16	D+
43	West Haven	200.0 µg/L	No	2	B+
44	North Ogden	141.0 µg/L	No	13	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about strontium in Utah

Is strontium in Utah tap water harmful?

Strontium at low levels is not considered harmful, but the EPA set a health reference level (HRL) of 1,500 µg/L based on potential bone effects. 7 cities in Utah exceed this HRL. There is currently no federal MCL for strontium. Children may be more susceptible because strontium can substitute for calcium in developing bones.

How can I remove strontium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis and ion exchange (water softener) systems are effective at removing strontium from drinking water. Standard carbon filters are NOT effective. If your water comes from a well in an area with limestone or dolomite geology, consider testing for strontium.

More contaminants