Potable water radioactivity assessment in North Kazakhstan region

Department of State Committee the Epidemiological Sanitary surveillance of the Public Health Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan in North Kazakhstan region in collaboration with the experts from Central Epidemiological Sanitary expertise had tested alpha- and beta activity in 690 probes of potable water sampled from subterranean springs in North Kazakhstan region (NKR). In 419 probes (60,7%) of water it was determined 6 times excess in total alpha activity according radiation standards - 99 (0,1 Bq/l). As a result of potable water study for 14,8% selected samples total alpha radiation permissible level exceeds in 2-4 times, the same parameter (alpha radiation surplus) for selected 28,9% of samples equals to 4-6 times and for 56,3 % of samples equals to 6 times. Surplus over permissible level of radionuclide interference making up 3 times for 238U, 7 times for 226Ra were detected in 7 settlements in Operation suspended 13 boreholes in Atyrau, Timiryazev, Taiynshin, Esil regions in NKR. In order to lowering radionuclide composition in water to the sanitarily fitted level filters local cleaning installation measures carried out in 39 settlements in NKR. Re-sampling of boreholes water probes after cleaning measures satisfy the normative requirements. Issues of control NKR population's provision with safe quality potable water are under strict control made by Regional Sanitary Service.