Belief: Public water system records tell you your household radon level.
What the U.S. Geological Survey sampling in the Taos County aquifer area shows is a regional measure based on 5 wells, not your private well or tap water. These wells were between 100 and 500 feet deep, sampled from July 2014 to July 2015. While this data provides a general view of radon-222 presence in the local groundwater, it cannot specify your household’s exact radon concentration. A private well water test is necessary for precise information about your home's water.
Belief: Radon levels stay constant throughout the year.
The government data includes samples taken over a one-year period, showing a range of 2,200 to 6,600 pCi/L with a median of 4,400 pCi/L. This range captures some natural variation over time and location within the aquifer. Variation can occur due to seasonal changes, well depth differences, or aquifer dynamics. Recognizing these fluctuations is important when evaluating radon concentrations, as a single sample may not represent long-term exposure.
Belief: Untreated radon in household water causes immediate health problems.
Untreated radon in water typically affects indoor air quality when released during water use such as showering or cooking. Long-term exposure to elevated radon in air contributes to lung cancer risk, according to health authorities. However, radon levels in Taos County groundwater samples did not exceed federal thresholds set for safety. Continuous monitoring and mitigation steps can reduce potential risks over years of exposure rather than causing immediate illness.
Belief: Radon can be confused with other water issues like odors or discoloration.
Radon is a radioactive gas and does not impart taste, odor, or color to water. Problems like metallic taste, staining, or cloudiness often have different causes such as iron, manganese, or sediment. Distinguishing radon from these is crucial since treatment methods differ. Radon requires specialized filtration, not typical water softening or sediment filters.
Belief: Well depth or source type has no influence on radon levels.
The depth of sampled wells in this area ranged from 100 to 500 feet, illustrating that radon can be present across various well depths. Radon typically enters water from natural uranium decay in surrounding rock and soil. Deeper wells might encounter different concentrations depending on geology. The source type, such as aquifer characteristics, also affects radon presence, so understanding your well’s depth and geology is part of assessing potential radon risk.
To understand your household water radon level precisely, testing your private well is necessary. If treatment is desired, the Pentair Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure and uses proven technology to reduce radon from water effectively.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Taos County aquifer data, reflecting measurements from 2014-2015 across five separate wells, is the authoritative government source for this region’s groundwater radon presence. This regional scope frames what you might expect but does not replace individualized water testing.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-07-13. 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 S100RIOGRD aquifer (Taos County): 5 results from 5 wells, median 4400.0 pCi/L, range 2200.0-6600.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold
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