Factors determining the radioactivity levels of waters in the province of Cáceres (Spain)

In an extensive study of different types of water in the province of Cáceres (Spain) in order to determine their total α- and total β-radioactivity contents, several factors were found to have a decisive influence on their radioactivity levels. Thus, parameters such as total hardness and pH can be determinative according to the lithological type of the aquifer or according to the subterranean or surface origin of the hydrological resource. Waters from clastic lithologies, or originating from a well, posses above-average radioactivity indices, surpassing in numerous cases the indicative levels set by current Spanish legislation. In contrast, surface waters from rivers, in practically all cases, possess below-average radioactivity indices.