Government Sampling of Radon in Bucks County Aquifer 231SCKN
Recent sampling by the U.S. Geological Survey from July 2021 to August 2024 found radon-222 in all six groundwater samples collected from three wells in Bucks County’s aquifer 231SCKN. These wells were between 160 and 200 feet deep. The median radon concentration in these area samples was 1105.0 pCi/L, with a range spanning from 180.0 to 7400.0 pCi/L. None of the results surpassed federal thresholds for radon in water.
Understanding Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Radon Levels
The data was gathered over a three-year period, reflecting potential seasonal and annual changes. The broad concentration range—from a low of 180.0 to a high of 7400.0 pCi/L—indicates that radon levels can vary significantly over time and between wells within the same aquifer. Such variation can be influenced by factors including water table fluctuations, geological changes, and well depth.
Public System Records Versus Private Well Testing
Area sampling provides a regional snapshot but does not substitute for testing individual household water. Public water systems typically monitor and report radon differently than private well owners. These USGS samples reflect private well conditions within the aquifer but do not establish radon levels for any one specific household's water. For homeowners relying on private wells, direct testing of their own water source is necessary to understand their exact radon concentration.
What ‘Detected’, ‘Median’, and ‘Range’ Mean in This Context
- Detected: Radon was measured in every sample taken; none were below the instrument’s reporting limit.
- Median: The midpoint value (1105.0 pCi/L) indicates that half of the samples measured higher radon and half lower.
- Range: The spread from 180.0 pCi/L to 7400.0 pCi/L shows substantial variability among wells and times sampled.
These terms summarize the regional groundwater radon content but do not predict any individual well’s level.
A Homeowner’s Example: Interpreting Radon Levels in Bucks County Water
Imagine you live in Bucks County relying on a private well drawing from aquifer 231SCKN around 180 feet deep. The USGS data suggest radon in your area commonly falls between 180.0 and 7400.0 pCi/L, with a typical value near 1105.0 pCi/L. Your well’s radon level could be anywhere within this wide range due to natural variability. Without specific testing of your water, you cannot know your household’s radon concentration or how it compares directly to these area samples.
Evaluating Treatment Needs Based on Household Water Use
If you confirm elevated radon through direct testing, treatment selection should consider the volume of water your household uses daily. Radon reduction systems, such as the Pentair Radon in Water Filter, are designed to handle varying flow rates and radon concentrations. Matching treatment capacity to your home’s water demand ensures effective radon removal and consistent water supply quality.
Next Step: Testing Your Household Water for Radon
To know your specific radon level, order a certified laboratory radon-in-water test for your private well. This test will measure the concentration of radon-222 directly in your household water supply. A confirmed elevated reading compared to regional medians signals the advisability of radon removal treatment. The Pentair Radon in Water Filter system ships ready to configure for residential use and can address radon levels typical of Bucks County wells.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-06. 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 231SCKN aquifer (Bucks County): 6 results from 3 wells, median 1105.0 pCi/L, range 180.0-7400.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold