Plants may use river, lake, or sea water for cooling. This does not automatically make it radioactive. Radiological discharges, when authorised, are separate, monitored, and subject to limits. The most common environmental issue with cooling is thermal, i.e., an increase in the temperature of the returned water, which is regulated through temperature and flow limits.
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15.
Does a nuclear power plant make river water radioactive?
No under normal operation; discharges are regulated.
