Differences Between Public-System Records and Private-Well Testing
Regional data reflect aquifer conditions, not individual wells
The U.S. Geological Survey has measured radon in bedrock wells across St. Lawrence County. These six samples, taken from wells 118 to 805 feet deep, provide a snapshot of the area's groundwater but do not identify radon levels in your specific well.
Public records show detections, not violations
All six samples detected radon-222, ranging from 520 to 18,600 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with a median of 1,070 pCi/L. None of these results exceed federal thresholds for radon in drinking water, meaning the detections are findings from sampling instruments rather than evidence of safety concerns at this stage.
Additional Questions for Non-Residential Operators
Commercial or industrial users require detailed source tracking
Unlike households, larger water users often need to track water source types and depths more precisely to manage radon risks and comply with regulatory reporting requirements. This involves more comprehensive sampling protocols and may influence treatment system design.
Households focus on point-of-use risk and treatment
Residential users generally prioritize knowing their own well's radon concentration through certified testing and assessing treatment options if needed, rather than broad regional data.
Understanding Certified Laboratory Test Reports for Radon
Tests measure radon concentration in pCi/L
A certified laboratory test will provide a numeric radon-222 concentration for your water, indicating the amount of radioactive gas found. This number reveals your well's specific situation, distinct from area medians or ranges.
Reading the results requires comparing to guidance levels
Federal agencies suggest evaluating radon concentrations to decide if treatment is appropriate. However, detections alone do not confirm a violation or immediate health risk.
Changes in Water Quality at the Tap After Treatment
Radon reduction technology affects dissolved gas content
Once water passes through a system designed to reduce radon, such as the Autotrol Radon in Water Filter, radon concentrations at the tap can decrease substantially, lowering exposure from water use.
Treated water maintains normal taste and clarity
The filtration system targets radon without introducing taste or odor changes, ensuring water remains palatable and visually clear.
Interpreting Regional Median and Range as a Homeowner
The median radon reading of 1,070 pCi/L provides a regional baseline
This median indicates that half the sampled wells had radon levels above this number and half below. Your own well could be higher or lower, highlighting the importance of testing.
The range from 520 to 18,600 pCi/L shows variability in the aquifer
This wide range in radon concentration reflects natural variation depending on well depth and local geology, underscoring that area data are indicators rather than definitive individual measures.
Impact of Sample Depth, Well Depth, and Source Type on Expectations
Deeper bedrock wells can have different radon levels
Sampling depths ranged from 118 to 805 feet, suggesting that radon concentration may depend on well depth. Deeper wells sometimes encounter higher radon levels due to geological conditions.
Source type influences radon presence
Bedrock aquifers tend to have radon originating naturally from rock formations. Wells drawing from these sources may face different radon issues than those using surface water or unconsolidated aquifers.
Next Step: Order a Certified Radon Test for Your Well Water
The key action is to obtain a certified laboratory test of your own well water for radon-222. This test will provide your home's specific radon concentration. Knowing that result will clarify whether treatment with the Autotrol Radon in Water Filter is advisable to reduce radon exposure through your household water supply.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2020-09-17. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (St. Lawrence County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 1070.0 pCi/L, range 520.0-18600.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold
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