Testing for Radon in Well Water
Water Treatment for Radon Found In NH and MA Well Water
In New England, we’re famous for the beautiful rustic stone walls found throughout the region. New Hampshire is even nicknamed the Granite State thanks to our unique geology. Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas is produced by the decay of the element radium, which is naturally occurring in our rocky New England soil.
Most homeowners or first-time buyers are aware that radon can be found in the air, entering homes through cracks in a home's foundation. One standard contingency when purchasing a home in New England is a radon test. Exposure is a health risk that’s been linked to lung and other cancers. The risk increases if anyone in your family is a smoker. Many may be unaware that the gas can also dissolve into the groundwater and later enter the home through the water supply. The good news is that most issues can be easily and efficiently resolved to remove the risks.
Test, Diagnose and Reduce Radon
The first step to determine if your home is at risk is a simple test. The EPA recommends implementing reduction procedures in residential water wells testing higher than four picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Levels below this threshold can still pose a risk, and in many cases can be significantly reduced. For a reasonable fee, a qualified contractor can test to determine levels and offer affordable mitigation techniques that can reduce or remove the threat. The first step is to contact your state radon office. Many states require certification and your state office can provide a list of qualified specialists in your area.
Reduction systems are very efficient. In fact, some mitigation systems can reduce levels by up to 99%. The cost is in the range of other common home repairs and will vary depending upon the levels present, the design of the home and the method employed. A certified mitigation specialist can handle all aspects from testing to installation.
TREATMENT FOR Radon in Well Water
While not as common or dangerous as from soil decay, radon can be present in well water. It’s released into the air when water is used for showering or other household chores. Most public water systems already test and treat before delivery so the risk is extremely low if you receive water from a municipal system. While risk is significantly lower, if you're concerned and receive water via a private well, you should consider testing. The good news is if your test detects questionable levels, the problem is easily remedied. There are two primary systems used for mitigation when it comes to removing radon from your well water. They are “point of use” (POU) and “point of entry (POE).”
A POU system treats a single faucet while a POE system treats at the source can effectively remove any radon from your entire supply before the water enters your home. POE systems employ granular activated charcoal filtration or aeration. While GAC filter systems are less costly than aeration, the filters can become slightly radioactive over time and may require special disposal.
If you feel you may have a problem, the best course of action is to consult a certified mitigation contractor such as Skilling & Sons. They will test and interpret results, explain your options and any costs involved and install a system. It’s an easy fix that can protect your family’s health and provide peace of mind.
