Autotrol Radon in Water Filter

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A typical laboratory test report for radon in water will list the measured concentration in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), often with a date and well depth noted. The government records for Berks County, Pennsylvania, sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey, show radon-222 was detected in all sampled wells of aquifer 364HMBG during June to July 2019. The three separate wells sampled, between 140 and 250 feet deep, had a median radon concentration of 92.0 pCi/L with a range from 28.0 to 210.0 pCi/L. None of these values exceeded any federal health-based threshold for radon in water. These figures represent area-wide measurements, not an individual residential well’s radon level.

Limited Wells, Limited Sampling: What Three Wells Mean for Area Radon Data

The USGS sampling is limited to three wells within Berks County’s aquifer 364HMBG, which means the reported median and range offer a general indication of radon presence rather than a comprehensive picture. Local geological variations, well depth, and water flow paths can cause radon levels to vary substantially from one well to another within the same aquifer. Thus, while these measurements confirm radon presence in the regional groundwater, they cannot substitute for testing the household’s own water source to establish its actual radon concentration.

Public System Records vs. Private Well Testing: Different Data, Different Insights

The data from the USGS pertains to groundwater samples taken from private or monitored wells in the aquifer but is not equivalent to municipal water system testing records. Municipal water supplies are subject to regular monitoring and reporting requirements, often incorporating additional treatment steps. Private well owners rely heavily on their individual testing to know the water quality delivered to their taps. Area aquifer data shows what is naturally present underground, but only private well water tests reveal what enters the home’s plumbing from that source.

From Basic Checks to Laboratory Testing: A Logical Approach to Radon Identification

Before investing in radon mitigation equipment, it is practical to rule out simpler sources of water quality concerns often mistaken for radon effects. For example, staining or taste issues might relate to iron or manganese, which require separate testing. If radon is suspected, the recommended step is to obtain a certified laboratory analysis of the well water, testing specifically for radon-222. This test provides the definitive data needed to assess treatment necessity and options.

Plumbing Materials and Age: Distinguishing Source Issues from In-Home Factors

While radon comes from natural radioactive decay in underground rock and soil, plumbing systems can influence water quality independently. Old or corroded pipes, solder, or fixtures may add other substances to water but do not generate radon. A clear understanding requires differentiating radon levels measured at the source from potential plumbing-related issues, which can be identified through additional water quality analyses and inspection of plumbing materials and condition.

Radon vs. Other Common Water Problems: What Sets It Apart

Radon in water is a radioactive gas that can enter homes through water use, often contributing to indoor air radon levels when released. This distinguishes it from chemical contaminants or microbial issues, which behave differently and require different treatments. Radon’s detection requires specific testing due to its gaseous nature and potential health implications, unlike more commonly tested water parameters such as hardness or bacteria.

The Definitive Test and Addressing Radon at Home

The single test to settle radon concerns in your household water supply is a certified laboratory radon-222 analysis of your well water sample. This test confirms the radon level delivered to your tap, guiding whether treatment is warranted. If treatment is needed, an effective solution is the Autotrol Radon in Water Filter, which ships ready to configure for residential use. This system is documented to reduce radon levels in water, helping protect household members from exposure via water use and indoor air.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-07-24. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Radon-222 in the 364HMBG aquifer (Berks County): 3 results from 3 wells, median 92.0 pCi/L, range 28.0-210.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold