Understanding Your Water Source in Kit Carson County
Water for many homes in Kit Carson County comes from the 121OGLL aquifer, a groundwater source tapped by wells that typically reach depths around 141 to 245 feet. This groundwater passes through underground layers before emerging in household taps. The U.S. Geological Survey has sampled this aquifer across four wells between 2010 and 2015 to measure radon-222 levels, providing insight into what is commonly found in this area rather than specifics about any individual home's water.
1. Which Household Fixtures and Appliances Notice Radon First?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can dissolve into groundwater. When you use water, radon can release into indoor air, especially during activities that agitate water such as showering, washing dishes, or running washing machines. Faucets and showers, due to agitation and aeration, are common points where radon gas can enter household air. Appliances that use water but do not agitate it as much, like toilets, are less likely to contribute to radon exposure indoors.
2. Reading the USGS Radon Sample Record for Your Area
In Kit Carson County's 121OGLL aquifer, four wells sampled by the USGS showed radon-222 concentrations ranging from 51.0 to 550.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with a median concentration of 267.5 pCi/L. It is important to note these figures reflect measurements from selected wells across the area and are not specific to any particular household. No sampled well showed radon levels above federal thresholds. For individual water radon levels, a specific water test of your own well is necessary to understand your household situation.
3. Possible Effects of Untreated Radon in Water Over Time
Radon dissolved in water can contribute to indoor air radon levels when water is used, especially during showering or other water agitation. Long-term exposure to radon gas, primarily through breathing indoor air that contains radon released from water, is a matter some households consider addressing. Radon in water itself is not typically a cause of immediate health problems but monitoring levels and considering mitigation can be part of maintaining household air quality. Addressing radon in water is one factor among others in managing overall radon exposure.
4. Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Radon Levels
The USGS samples of wells within Kit Carson County’s 121OGLL aquifer show radon measurements taken over a period from March 22, 2010, to August 13, 2015. This multi-year data reflects natural variability in radon concentrations, which can fluctuate based on changes in groundwater conditions and well characteristics. Variability means that testing water at different times may yield different readings, highlighting the value of current and consistent water testing for homeowners concerned about radon.
5. The Diagnostic Path: What to Check Before Testing
- Begin with noticing if household water use areas with aeration (showers, taps) seem to correlate with any radon concerns.
- Ensure no other water quality issues or odors are confounding your observations, as radon is odorless and invisible.
- Consider conducting a professional laboratory test specifically for radon in your water to determine your household’s radon level accurately.
This stepwise approach can help prioritize efforts to understand any radon concern before proceeding to technical solutions.
Final Consideration: Reducing Radon in Household Water
If your water testing indicates radon at levels that you wish to address, the Pentair Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure for residential water treatment. This system is designed to reduce radon levels effectively based on the specific concentration measured in your water, helping manage potential radon gas release from water use indoors.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-08-13. 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 121OGLL aquifer (Kit Carson County): 4 results from 4 wells, median 267.5 pCi/L, range 51.0-550.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold