MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. This past year we had two violations, Gross Alpha and Radium. Certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. MCL's are set at very stringent levels.
Chances are about the same as getting struck by lightening.
This does not pose a threat to the quality of our water supply. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. All sources of drinking water are subject to potential contamination by constituents that are naturally occurring or is man made. Those constituents can be microbes, organic or inorganic chemicals, or radioactive materials.