Abstract
INTRODUCTION: To establish baseline radioactivity levels and ensure the safety of drinking water quality in China, gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity levels in drinking water were surveyed from 2012 to 2024. METHODS: The surveillance was conducted through the national monitoring system for radioactivity in drinking water, organized by The National Institute for Radiological Protection (NIRP) during the period 2012-2024. Drinking water samples were collected and pretreated in accordance with a unified protocol, and radioactivity was determined using alpha/beta counting systems by local laboratories. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2024, over 11,000 drinking water samples were collected and analyzed across 29 provinces, including areas surrounding nuclear power plants. The mean concentration ranges of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity levels in all regions and various water bodies were 0.01-0.17 Bq/L and 0.05-0.38 Bq/L, respectively, all of which are below the guidance values specified in the national standard GB 5749 (0.5 Bq/L for gross alpha and 1 Bq/L for gross beta). However, the gross alpha and gross beta activity levels in well water were higher than those in other water bodies. The results indicate that radioactivity in drinking water primarily originates from natural radionuclides. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water in China maintains normal background levels of radioactivity. Nuclear power plant operations do not seem to have an impact on surrounding water sources.