RADON IN WATER TESTING

Is my home safe??

Radon gas can build up in groundwater. If you get your water from a well, or from a source that is partially supplied by a well then you should have your water tested for Radon.

Radon gas is soluble in water and so can build up in water as it passes through the ground over rock and soil containing uranium. Radon is easily removed from water by aeration. This is the simple process of putting air through the water. This is why most municipal water supplies (river and lake water) do not have a problem with radon in water because the water is being aerated by flowing over rocks or by the wind blowing over the surface of the water. Problems occur when water is taken from wells or boreholes (groundwater). Groundwater is water that remains subsurface until it is drawn from the ground where the water has not been aerated and radon gas has a chance to dissolve into the water. In most cases the groundwater is drawn directly into the home for consumption and for use around the house in showers, washing machines, dishwashers etc.

There is no established link between radon in water and cancer, but ingesting water containing radon will give the lining of the stomach a dose of radiation. Where the problem lies is when the water is aerated in the house and radon gas is released into the air and inhaled into the lungs. This creates a risk of lung cancer over a long-term exposure to high concentrations of radon gas.

Radon gas escapes from the water by aeration in the house. Showers, dishwashers and washing machines are the main aerators in the house as they will pass the most air through the water and so release the most radon into the home. Taps will also release some gas, but will not achieve the same amount of aeration.

The guidance level for radon in water is 1000 becquerels per litre (Bq/l). This is the level for which remediation action should be taken after testing. If a level of 500 Bq/l is found or up to the guidance level then remediation should be considered.

It is not possible to predict if there is radon in the water supply to your house. There is no direct relationship to the amount of uranium in the soil and the concentration of radon in your water supply. There is also no direct relationship between the level of radon in indoor air and the level of radon in your water supply. It is recommended that all domestic water supplies that come from a well, or as part of a partial groundwater source should be tested for radon.

Remediation of water found to have radon in excess of the reference level can be done by installing an aerator, which consists of a holding tank and some kind of aeration device of agitator. There are proven aeration devices which can be purchased that will aerate all water before it enters the house thus eliminating any source of radon gas dissolved in water.

If you would like to have your water tested for radon, or would like any more information on radon gas, please contact AlphaRadon.