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Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without proper testing. Radon is a known carcinogen and prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer.
When it comes to radon in well water, it is relatively uncommon compared to radon in air. Radon in well water can enter the air when water is used for activities such as showering or washing dishes. It is recommended to visit the EPA’s radon website and consult with a local health department or a radon mitigation company to learn the specific risk to your well.
What are the effects of radon in well water?
Radon in private well water can be a concern because it is a naturally occurring radioactive substance that can pose health risks when consumed or inhaled. While radon in water is relatively uncommon compared to radon in air, it is still important to address this issue to ensure the safety of your water supply.
When should I test for radon in my well water?
If you are concerned about radon in well water, it is recommended to have your water tested by a certified laboratory that offers radon testing. If indoor air testing reveals radon concentrations higher than 4 picocuries/liter in kitchen and bathroom areas, it is recommended to test for radon in your well water.
What treatment should I use if there is radon in my well water? How do I remove radon from my water?
The treatment for radon in well water depends on the level of radon present. Once you test and determine the amount of radon present in your well water, the Minnesota Department of Health has a Home Water Treatment Guide that covers treatment for any common constituent in well water. The most important advice we can provide you is if you are going to add treatment to your home water system, be sure the treatment device has been certified to remove radon by an independent third-party certification organization.
Where can I get local help and information about (contaminant) in my well water?
Contact your local health department – They can help you interpret your sample results and may have information on the best treatment options for your situation. If they personally aren’t able to answer your questions, they will know who to contact who will be able to help you, likely at your state health department.
Contact a water treatment professional - we would recommend contacting a water treatment professional who has been certified through the Water Quality Association’s Professional Certification Program.
State or Federal Geologic or Water Resource Agency – they may have completed field studies of your area or collected samples from water wells to map and understand the water quality in your state. In addition, they may house water well logs, including yours, or be able to provide additional information about the aquifer your well is getting water from.
Consult your well driller or drilling contractor – the contractor that drilled your well, and other local contractors, may be aware of the water quality issues nearby including high iron, and might have worked with other well owners in your area to solve this issue .
Research online – you should be inquisitive; it will help you significantly because there may be great information available online. Use search terms like “my state (CA, ME, IL, etc.) water well logs”, “my state groundwater quality”, or “my state well water quality”.
Contact us directly – if these other local sources don’t work out for you, we may be able to help. We may be able to provide direct assistance, and/or direct you to a technical assistance provider in your area who can help answer your questions (free service funded by USEPA).
Additional Resources
National Radon Program Services-Kansas State University
Radon Zones Map-USEPA
Want to learn more about your private well and how to care for it?
Sign up for the free 10-week email course from PrivateWellClass.org. The class is a project of RCAP and the University of Illinois, with funding from USEPA.
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