Gross Alpha and Beta Activity in Ottawa Drinking Water

Health Canada's Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network provides gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in drinking water, measured in becquerels per liter (Bq/L). The data monitors water from two treatment plants in Ottawa, Ontario, with results consistently below national screening levels of 0.5 and 1.0 Bq/L.

Use Cases

• Compare measured gross alpha and beta activity concentrations against the 0.5 Bq/L and 1.0 Bq/L screening levels from the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
• Analyze temporal trends in radiological content from Ottawa water treatment plants to identify anomalies like the February 28, 2011 spike.
• Map sampling station locations to correlate radiological activity data with specific water treatment facilities.

Strengths

• Data is directly tied to national health guidelines, with specific screening levels of 0.5 Bq/L for gross alpha and 1.0 Bq/L for gross beta.
• Results are validated against a documented real-world event, the February 28, 2011 spike attributed to pipe flushing.
• Data is provided by the authoritative Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network under Health Canada.

Limitations

• Geographic coverage is limited to two water treatment plants in Ottawa, Ontario, not nationally representative.
• Sample data and specific column structure (e.g., timestamps, exact station IDs) are unavailable for review.
• The dataset's update frequency and total temporal range are not specified.

Provenance

Source

Health Canada's Canadian Radiological Monitoring Network (CRMN).

Collection Method

Targeted monitoring program conducted in collaboration with the City of Ottawa at two water treatment plants.

Time Range

null

Freshness

null

Geography

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (two specific water treatment plants).