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Underwater nuclear weapons testing did result in temporary radioactive contamination of the water, but it did not cause the water to become permanently radioactive. When a nuclear explosion occurs underwater, it can disperse radioactive particles in the water and steam, contaminating nearby ships and structures. However, the water itself does not typically become radioactive because the elements in water, hydrogen and oxygen, do not form long-lived radioactive isotopes.

The radioactive contamination from these tests was generally localized and dissipated over time. The long-term environmental impact was more significant on the surrounding ecosystems and the immediate test sites, such as the Bikini Atoll, where the tests were conducted.