Does EPA regulate tritium in drinking water?
Tritium is a beta particle emitter which forms in the upper atmosphere through interactions between cosmic rays (nuclear particles coming from outer space) and the gases comprising the atmosphere. Tritium can be deposited from the atmosphere onto surface waters via rain or snow and can accumulate in ground water via seepage. Tritium is also formed from human activities, including production of electricity, nuclear weapons, nuclear medicines used in therapy and diagnosis, various commercial products, as well as in various academic and government research activities. Natural tritium tends not to occur at levels of concern, but contamination from human activities can result in relatively high levels.
