Radioactivity monitoring in a UK water company

摘要

Review of UK regulatory control. The New European Drinking Water directive will introduce a dose limit of 0.1 mSv (lOmRem) per year and an activity concentration limit for tritium of 100 Bq/L (2700pCi/L).Historical data is presented. This shows the low background levels of radioactivity in major water sources in NW England. The monitoring shows short-term,low level,contamination resulting from the nuclear bomb tests in the late fifties and early sixties and the Chernobyl accident.Actions to be taken during a nuclear emergency are discussed. Procedures are essential to ensure monitoring of water quality in the event of a nuclear reactor accident. The safety of water supplies will be judged by comparison with approved "Action Levels".Occupational exposure to radon in air. The potential health risk posed by radon in the indoor air of water treatment works and service reservoirs connected with groundwater supplies is reviewed.