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Radon Gas Treatment for Well Water

Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in the environment. Over time, radon breaks down from uranium. The radon can then leach into your soil and into your drinking water. If you suspect that your well water may be tainted with radon, testing of your water sources is necessary. Your city will have state certification officers that can test your water for contamination. If your water is indeed tainted with radon, treatments are possible.

  1. Radon Facts

    • Radon gas can be disturbed and released into your home.

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "30 to 1,800 deaths" occur every year because of radon being in household drinking water. Radon can be found in groundwater and private wells. When you take showers or even wash your dishes, these acts can distribute radon gas into your home. As a result, you can inhale the gas.

    Testing for Radon

    • Your well water should be tested.

      To discover if your water is contaminated, you can locate a drinking water laboratory within your state. The Environmental Protection Agency offers certified laboratories that you can contact. Your well water will be tested for radon in picoCuries per liter (pCi/L). This measurement is used to determine the amount of radiation found in your well water. If your water is found to contain more than 4 pCi/L, treatments will be conducted.

    Aeration

    • An aeration system is installed by your well.

      Aeration consists of introducing air into your well water. An aeration tank is installed by your well tank. A roof line, or exhaust line, will be attached to the aeration system, which will extend up to your roof. Aeration helps to clean your water by removing the radon through the process of being exposed to air. The air is then pumped into the exhaust line, depressurized and vented. Your well water is then re-pressurized and made ready for household uses, such as drinking.

    Granular Activated Carbon

    • GAC filters are used to clean your water.

      GAC uses filtering to remove radon from your well water. A filter is installed into your well water. As your well water trickles through the filter, the radon will adhere to the filter. Your well water then becomes clean. However, according to the CDC, getting rid of a GAC filter may require special removal, especially if the filter contains high levels of radon. You can contact the Water Quality Association to determine how to dispose of GAC filters.

    Water Treatment Units

    • Ensure that your water is safe for consumption.

      Regardless of your method of treatments, you'll need to maintain your well water. It may help to also have your well water tested yearly to ensure that your well water is being controlled and not being infused with radon. Without properly maintaining your well water, you'll risk exposing yourself to radon and possible health complications such as cancer.

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