Water in Sussex is safe, but exceeded the maximum contaminant level for radium during the last annual cycle of quarterly testing, according to the village, which issued a public notice to customers. 

The water supply in Sussex has 5.9 picocuries per liter for combined radium, more than the state and federal maximum for radium of 5 picocuries pCi/l.

"The EPA has set standards related to radium levels. Because we may not know more about the actual effects of low levels of radium in the diet for decades, the drinking water standard was established as a preventative measure," the letter said.  

According to the letter, the EPA and DNR have set "extremely high standards" for both drinking supply safety and for notice to the public about the standards. 

"The water is safe to drink and seeking alternative water sources is not necessary or recommended," the letter said. 

The water in Sussex at 10.21 pCi/L for gross alpha, less than the 15 pCi/L federal and state maximum. 

The village's well draws from a sandstone formation. Radium is a natural radioactive element found in most major rock types including sandstone.  

The DNR and Department of Health and Social Services advise that the immediate health risk is negligible," the letter said. "Science suggests there may be risks from long-term low-level exposure to radium."  

The letter can be found here.  

For additional information, refer to the EPA information page here or the village's radium FAQ here.

For any questions or concerns, contact the village at (262) 246-5200.