Meta Description: Follow this step-by-step guide to check for radon levels in your water and remove this toxic gas to ensure your family’s safety.
Radon might be a hidden danger lurking in your tap water. It’s an invisible, odorless gas that can seep into your home’s water supply, posing serious health risks. The good news is that you can detect and remove it, keeping your family safe.
This harmful gas originates from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground, which can then enter your water supply, especially if you rely on a private well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon exposure is linked to over 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States.
But don't worry – we're here to guide you through the process of testing and eliminating radon from your water. With the right steps and some proactive measures, you can ensure your water’s safety and protect your family's health.
Step 1: Identify if There’s Radon in Your Water
Radon is a gas that forms when uranium in the ground breaks down. Uranium is naturally found in soil and rocks, and as it decays, it releases radon gas. This gas can accumulate in groundwater, which feeds into wells. You can get exposed to it when you use this water for cooking, bathing, or drinking.
If your home is located directly above soil or bedrock that releases radon, the gas can even contaminate your indoor air.
If you’re concerned there might be radon in your water, you need to test it and take the right steps to keep your home safe.
Step 2: Test Radon Levels in Water
If your water comes from an underground source, like a private well, it's a good idea to test it for radon. The EPA recommends doing this to make sure your water is safe.
To request a test, call the Safe Water Drinking Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. They can connect you with your state lab and guide you through the application process.
While the EPA doesn’t regulate private wells, they suggest radon levels in community water suppliers shouldn’t exceed 4,000 pCi/L, assuming there’s also a program to reduce indoor air radon levels. If there’s no such program, the EPA recommends keeping radon levels in drinking water below 300 pCi/L.
Checking the radon levels in your water is important and will keep you and your family safe from radon poisoning. Extended radon exposure can lead to serious health complications such as lung cancer. Catching it early and taking action can make a big difference.
Step 3: Choose Treatment Method To Remove Radon From Water
If you find high levels of radon in your drinking water, don’t stress – there are effective ways to remove it.
The best approach is to treat the water before it enters your home, which is known as point-of-entry treatment. This is important because water containing radon can evaporate from your sinks and showers, letting the gas escape into your indoor air.
The two most popular point-of-entry devices used to reduce the radon levels in your water are granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and aeration units.
Granular Activated Carbon Filters (GAC)
GAC filters use activated carbon to trap and hold radon gas, removing it from your water. These filters are contained in a fiberglass tank, and as water passes through, the carbon captures the radon.
GAC filters are usually the cheaper point-of-entry option, but they do have some downsides. The radon gets stuck in the filter, which can make it radioactive over time. Therefore, you'll need to dispose of these filters properly. It’s a good idea to research multiple disposal methods or contact a local professional for help.
Aeration Units
Aeration units work by bubbling air through the water. This process breaks down radon gas, which is then vented out through an external exhaust fan.
Modern aeration units can remove up to 99% of radon from water, making them very effective. However, if your water is contaminated with high levels of iron, manganese, or other harmful particles, aeration might be less efficient.
Despite this, aeration devices are considered the best technology for removing radon from water. This is due to their high efficiency and because they don't accumulate radioactive buildup like the granular activated carbon filters (GAC) do.
Having a low concentration of radon in your drinking water and air lowers the likelihood of developing radon-related health complications.
Step 4: After Treatment, Check if the Water Is Finally Free From Radon
Once you've treated your water, you'll want to make sure the radon is really gone. Since radon is odorless, tasteless, and colorless, it can be tricky to tell if your efforts worked.
Some states, like New York, offer free radon test kits. These can help you check if your water is safe. You can also contact a certified radon mitigation contractor for more support.
If you're using a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter, remember to change the filters regularly to prevent radioactive buildup. It’s a good idea to have a qualified radon service provider inspect your system every few years to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Testing your water after treatment is an important step to ensure your home stays safe. Regular checks and maintenance can give you peace of mind that your water is free from radon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding radon elimination and management. The important thing to remember is to stay proactive.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas released when uranium is decaying underground. This gas then accumulates in groundwater, which is often used for wells that bring water into our homes.
Most radon escapes the water when the water is used for things such as cooking or showering. The gas is released into the air, where it poses the same threat of increased risk of cancer. Some radon remains in the water and can be harmful if consumed over time.
Unfortunately, there are no obvious signs of radon in water. The gas is nearly undetectable (odorless, tasteless, and colorless), which is why it’s so dangerous.
Prolonged radon exposure can cause serious health issues over time. Radon poisoning and the early signs of lung cancer symptoms include:
Wheezing
Coughing up blood
Frequent pneumonia or bronchitis
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Weight loss
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer, following smoking. Unfortunately, you can be exposed to radon for years before you begin developing any symptoms of a radon-related health issue.
Radon poisoning builds up slowly, and symptoms don’t appear until precancer or cancer has already formed in the lungs. Contact your doctor right away if you suspect you might have radon poisoning.
Other health effects caused by radon-contaminated water include:
Persistent cough
Trouble breathing
Chest tightness or pain
Difficulty swallowing
Frequent sore throat
The likelihood of developing lung cancer is higher if you also have a history of smoking. If your home test shows a concerning amount of radon or if you have ever been a smoker, you may qualify for a lung cancer screening.
Early detection increases the potential to treat lung cancer and related illnesses.
To avoid any of these problems occurring, run a test for radon poisoning as a precaution.
The EPA recommends that radon levels in community water suppliers shouldn’t exceed 4,000 pCi/L, provided there’s a program to reduce radon in indoor air. EPA-approved indoor air programs help protect against radon exposure in the air.
If there are no such mitigation programs for radon in household air, the highest recommended limit of radon in water is 300 pCi/l. This change is because the majority of the radon in household water will be released into the air, where it still poses health risks.
The pCi/L acronym stands for picocuries per liter of air. This is a measurement for the radioactive decay of radon.
A granular activated carbon filter (GAC) usually costs around $1,500 and may come with additional installation fees. These filters need to be replaced regularly, as debris and radioactivity can accumulate on them over time.
An aeration system is more expensive, typically around $5,000. The initial cost is higher than that of a GAC filter, but it may cost less over time as it requires less maintenance. Aeration systems are also more effective in removing higher concentrations of radon from the water.
When selecting a contractor to help remove the radon from your home, it’s recommended to get multiple estimates to find the best option for you. Get familiar with your contractor, their credentials, and previous work if possible.
Some states regulate radon mitigation services, while others, such as New York, don’t impose regulations on radon services.
When using a contractor, the cheapest option available for removing radon from water is the granular activated filter system (GAC), which is priced at around $1,500. Note the cost of removing radon from water can vary depending on which state you live in and the contractors available.
If you have the expertise and the right materials at home, you can save on installation costs by doing it yourself. The cost of materials to install a GAC filter is usually $500, saving you $1,000 on installation charges.
However, it’s highly recommended to thoroughly research the process before attempting to install a radon mitigation system. Inaccurate installation may result in increased radon levels in your home.
We also recommend picking up a few electrical, plumbing, and carpentry skills to increase your chances of successfully installing a DIY GAC filter.
Reverse osmosis doesn't remove radon from water.
According to the EPA, reverse osmosis (RO) is a pressure-driven membrane separation process. It works by filtering the water through a membrane that has small openings, preventing any molecules or items larger than the membrane from passing.
This process works for contaminants such as uranium, radium, and other larger particles. The membrane doesn’t remove any gaseous contaminants in the water because the gas molecules are smaller than the pores in the membrane.
Radon can pass through the membrane, making reverse osmosis ineffective at removing the toxic gas from the water.
