Friendswood water quality report finds elevated radioactivity

The City of Friendswood announced the release of its 2011 Consumer Confidence Report on drinking water quality.

The report, which tests the water system for at least 97 possible chemical constituents found in drinking water, showed all detected regulated contaminants at levels below their maximum contaminant Levels.

While the report highlights contaminant levels below their maximums, the radioactive contaminants did register slightly above the Environmental Protection Agency's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. These goals are set at levels "below which there is no known or expected risk to health," according to the EPA's report, with maximums set as close as feasibly possible to that goal.

The report lists the radioactive contaminants' likely source as the "decay of natural and man-made deposits" and lists oil and gas production and mine activities among possible causes.

Along with the detected levels and likely sources of all contaminants found in the drinking water, the report also includes information on the source of the city's water and reminds the public to conserve, providing advice on simple ways to reduce use at home.

A copy of the report may be found through the city's website, www.ci.friendswood.tx.us. For more information on contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Drinking Water Hotline at 800-246-4791.