Radioactivity levels and physical-chemical properties of public water supplies in Malaga

The measurements of radioactivity in drinking water enable us to determine the exposure of the population to radiation through their usual consumption of water. An intensive study of the water supply in the city of Malaga has been carried out to determine both the gross alpha-and gross beta-activity concentrations. Gamma spectrometry was used in order to detect certain types of radionuclides. Results indicated that 95% of the water tested contained a gross alpha-radioactivity of less than 0.1 Bq/1, and 100% gross beta-activity of less than 1 Bq/1 - the activity limit recommended by the Spanish Regulatory Organization. Several factors were found to have an influence on radioactivity levels, such as total hardness, potassium and pH.