Begin with Easy Checks Before Considering Complex Testing

Review Local USGS Radon Data for Context

Samples taken from 23 wells in New Castle County’s 125RCCS aquifer show radon was detected in every sample, with concentrations ranging from 85.0 to 1870.0 pCi/L and a median of 223.0 pCi/L. These figures reflect the area as a whole, not your individual well.

Identify Any Unusual Household Water Characteristics

Note signs such as an earthy or musty taste, or unusual staining. While these are not direct radon indicators, they can suggest other water quality factors worth examining first.

Check Your Home’s Water Source Details

Determine whether your water is from a private well or a public system. Public water systems typically monitor for radon separately and record compliance, while private wells require individual testing.

Consider the Implications of Long-Term Radon Exposure Through Water

Understand Radon as a Naturally Occurring Radioactive Gas

Radon-222 originates underground from the decay of uranium and can dissolve into groundwater. If untreated, radon can be released into the air inside your home during water use.

Recognize the Routes of Exposure

Radon enters indoor air through water when showering, cooking, or washing, contributing to indoor radon levels. The waterborne radon itself is less of a direct health concern than its airborne release.

Appreciate Why Radon Concentrations Vary

Differences in aquifer depth and geology cause variation in radon levels within New Castle County wells, as shown by the wide range in sampled results.

Clarify Terms Used in Radon Sampling Reports

What Does 'Detected' Indicate?

All samples showed radon presence; a detection means the measurement instrument found radon at measurable levels, not that the water is unsafe.

Understanding the 'Median' Value

The median value of 223.0 pCi/L represents the middle number in the set of 23 well samples, giving a central tendency for the county’s aquifer.

What Does the 'Range' Mean?

The range from 85.0 to 1870.0 pCi/L illustrates the variation among wells sampled; some had relatively low levels, others much higher, reflecting local geology.

Differentiating Radon Issues from Similar Water Concerns

Radon versus Other Radioactive Substances

Radon-222 is a gas and distinct from solid radioactive elements; its behavior in water and air is different from others often confused with it.

Radon Versus General Water Quality Problems

Unlike contaminants that cause taste or staining issues, radon’s main concern involves invisible radioactive gas release rather than water appearance or odor.

How Radon Differs from Common Household Gas Issues

Radon exposure through water is separate from natural gas leaks or combustion byproducts; each requires different identification and response.

The Impact of Plumbing Materials and Conditions on Radon Levels

Older Plumbing and Gas Release

Older piping might affect how radon gas moves from water into indoor air, though it doesn’t change radon levels in the water itself.

Materials That Influence Radon Transfer

Some pipe materials may allow more radon to escape into the home’s air, making plumbing characteristics a factor in overall exposure.

Condition of Pipes and Ventilation

Leaks, corrosion, and poor ventilation can increase indoor radon concentrations by facilitating gas accumulation released from water during household use.

Decide on Testing to Confirm Your Household’s Radon Status

The crucial step is to test your own water sample specifically for radon levels, as local area data gives background context but not your unique conditions. A certified laboratory test will provide the evidence needed to determine if treatment like the C-Series Radon in Water Filter is appropriate to reduce radon concentrations reaching your home.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2015-08-20. 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 125RCCS aquifer (New Castle County): 23 results from 23 wells, median 223.0 pCi/L, range 85.0-1870.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold