Strontium in Water

Strontium (Sr) is in the same family as calcium and magnesium, and is one of the polyvalent earth metals that show up as hardness in the water. The presence of strontium in water is usually restricted to areas where there are lead ores, and the concentration of Strontium in water is usually very low. The body absorbs Strontium as if it was calcium due to the chemical similarities. The stable form of strontium in water might not pose a health risk and the natural levels of strontium in water may actually be beneficial according to some research studies. Although natural occurring strontium in water does is not considered a health risk, the radioactive variant of this compound can lead to bone disorders and diseases. Another issue to consider is Strontium sulfate is a critical reverse osmosis membrane foulant, dependent on its concentration. There is no MCL for strontium in drinking water listed in the US EPA Drinking Water Standards.   
 
Strontium Water Treatment - The following are considered effective Strontium water treatment options. Strontium can be removed from water with strong acid cation exchange resin. It can be in sodium form as in a water softener or the hydrogen form as in the cation portion of a two-column deionizer. Reverse Osmosis will also reduce strontium but as stated above strontium sulfate can be a RO membrane foulant.