> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guidelines.nhmrc.gov.au/australian-drinking-water-guidelines/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guidelines.nhmrc.gov.au/australian-drinking-water-guidelines/part-2/chapter-7/7.6-approach-for-derivation-of-reference-levels-and-screening-values-for-radionuclides.md).

# 7.6 Approach for derivation of reference levels and screening values for radionuclides

The *Australian Drinking Water Guidelines* provide:

* a single reference level for the annual exposure to radioactivity in drinking water
* screening values for gross alpha and beta analysis that allow for a simple and cost-effective assessment of the radiological drinking water quality
* a method for further assessing the dose if screening values for gross alpha and beta analysis are exceeded.

This approach generally reduces the analytical costs and effort in routine monitoring. Analyses to identify individual radionuclides present in the water are performed when indicated by the screening results.