The processes (costs, efficiencies and reliability) used in treating drinking water for removal of radioactive contaminants and the disposal of wastes generated by the treatment processes are analyzed and discussed. The study was limited to U, Ra and Rn. Initially concepts of water and waste treatment in terms of their applicability to the drinking water industry were established. The alternative processes for treatment of Ra, U, Rn, water and sludges were described and evaluated, in terms of cost, efficiency, reliability, process control and feasibility.