The order of 30 December 2022, amending the order of 11 January 2007 on the limits and quality reference values for water intended for human consumption, defines the regulatory requirements applicable to radioactivity control in water. It sets reference values for the following parameters: total alpha activity, residual total beta activity, indicative dose (ID), radon and tritium.
Radioactivity in water
What is radioactivity?
How to detect radioactive foods?
Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon linked to the spontaneous decay of unstable atoms, called radionuclides, which emit radiation. While some of this radioactivity is naturally occurring, human activities, such as atmospheric nuclear testing or certain major nuclear accidents (such as Chernobyl and Fukushima), have also contributed to the dispersion of radionuclides in the environment.
This radioactivity is monitored under legislation requiring radioactivity control.
Detection relies on laboratory analyses using specialised equipment, such as gamma spectrometry or alpha and beta radioactivity measurements. These techniques identify and quantify the radionuclides present and verify their compliance with regulatory thresholds.
Quality reference values are set for drinking water under the order below:
EXPERTISE
Phytocontrol offers radiological analyses in water
for the following elements:
- Tritium
- Total α activity
- Total β activity
- Caesium 134
- Caesium 137
- Iodine 131
- Cobalt 58
- Cobalt 60
- Radium 226
- Potassium 40
- Radon 222
- Lead 210
- Beryllium 7
- Thorium 232
- Europium 152
- Americium 241
- Silver 110
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC for radionuclide analyses in fresh water and effluent water.
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisers will respond within 24 hours. Tell us about your needs.
SECTORS
Water types affected by radioactivity
Phytocontrol laboratory supports water professionals in detecting and managing radioactivity.
Raw water
Drinking water
Packaged or bottled water
