Reading the Radon Sampling Record as a Homeowner
Median Radon Level Reflects Local Aquifer Measurements
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 16 wells in Bexar County’s aquifer 218EDRDA between 2013 and 2017. The median radon-222 concentration was 78.0 pCi/L. This median represents the middle value of the collected data and shows that half of the samples were below this level and half were above.
Range Indicates Variability Among Wells
The samples ranged from 8.0 to 570.0 pCi/L, indicating some wells in the area register much higher radon levels than others. This variability is common in groundwater radon due to differing geology and well depths (229 to 2326 feet in this data).
Clarifying 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in the Sampling Data
'Detected' Means Radon Was Measured, Not That It Exceeds Any Limit
All 19 samples detected radon, meaning radon was present at some measurable concentration. Detection alone does not mean the water is unsafe or exceeds federal thresholds.
The Median Is a Representative Indicator, Not a Guarantee
The median value summarizes the samples but does not represent the radon level in any single well, including yours. Testing your own water is necessary for specific information.
Sample Size and Its Implications for Household Decision-Making
16 Wells Represent Aquifer-Wide Conditions, Not Individual Variations
The data derive from multiple wells sampled over four years, offering a regional snapshot. However, local variations within your property or neighborhood may differ substantially.
Small Sample Size Means Greater Uncertainty for Individual Wells
With only 16 wells sampled, unusual conditions in your well could fall outside this range. Relying solely on this data for household decisions could be misleading without a direct test.
Considerations for Larger or Seasonal Households
Water Usage Patterns Affect Radon Exposure from Household Water
Higher water use increases the volume of radon entering your home air via water usage activities. Seasonal properties with sporadic use might experience different patterns of radon buildup.
Multiple Residences Require Individual Water Testing
Each property taps into potentially different groundwater sources. Radon levels can vary widely even across the same county, making separate tests essential.
Preparation Checklist Before Seeking Radon Treatment Advice
Record Your Well Depth and Local Aquifer Data
Know your well’s depth and compare it to the 229 to 2326 feet range sampled in Bexar County. This helps assess whether the area data are a good reference.
Note Any Previous Water Tests and Their Results
Gather past lab reports for your water, focusing on radon or other radiological constituents.
Identify Your Household Water Usage Volume
Estimate daily water consumption to understand potential radon exposure from water-use activities.
To conclusively determine if radon in your household water requires treatment, order a water test specifically measuring radon concentration from your own well. Results from this test will guide selecting an appropriate class of treatment. One proven option is the Pentair Radon in Water Filter, a system designed to reduce radon levels directly from your water source. It ships ready to configure for household use, helping mitigate radon concerns identified by your test.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-12-19. 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 218EDRDA aquifer (Bexar County): 19 results from 16 wells, median 78.0 pCi/L, range -8.0-570.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold
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