1. Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation Reflected in the Radon Record
Water in New Castle County’s aquifer 112CLMB comes from groundwater wells between 34 and 95 feet deep that supply many residences. Sampling over six years, from September 2012 to October 2018, found radon-222 concentrations ranging from 138.0 to 460.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). These variations reflect natural fluctuations in the aquifer over seasons and years, influenced by factors such as groundwater flow and geological changes. Understanding this spread is essential before interpreting what the numbers may mean for a specific household’s water.
2. Interpreting 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in the Sampling Data
All six sampled wells measured radon levels above the minimum reportable concentration, so the term 'detected' applies to every sample. The median value of 228.5 pCi/L is the middle point among these data, representing a central tendency rather than any single well’s condition. The range from 138.0 to 460.0 pCi/L shows the lowest and highest values recorded in different wells at different times. These terms describe the dataset but do not indicate presence or risk in any individual household’s water, which requires separate testing.
3. What the Measured Range Signifies Compared to Federal Standards—and What It Does Not
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has not set a mandatory federal limit specifically for radon in water, but guidelines suggest actions may be considered at higher levels. None of the six sampled wells in New Castle County’s aquifer 112CLMB surpassed any applicable federal benchmark. It is important to note that detection of radon is not a violation nor an automatic health hazard. The reported range reflects naturally occurring radon that varies widely in groundwater and does not predict an individual well's concentration or a violation of any safety standard.
4. Distinguishing Radon from Other Water Quality Concerns
Radon is a radioactive gas that dissolves into groundwater from surrounding rocks and soil, differing fundamentally from common water issues like hardness or iron staining. Unlike bacteria or chemical contaminants, radon presents a unique concern due to its gaseous state and potential indoor air impact if released from water during household use. Unlike some water problems tied to plumbing or surface sources, radon originates naturally in the aquifer itself, so treatment decisions focus on this specific source.
5. Household Fixtures and Processes Most Affected by Radon in Water
Radon dissolves in water and can be released into indoor air during water use activities. Fixtures that agitate or aerate water—such as showers, faucets, and washing machines—are the primary points where radon may transfer from water to air. This can contribute to indoor exposure in enclosed spaces. Other household processes like drinking or cooking with water are affected differently because radon ingested through water poses a different exposure pathway than inhalation.
6. How the Documented Treatment Technology Addresses Radon in Water
The C-Series Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure for residential use and provides a reliable solution to reduce radon levels dissolved in groundwater. This treatment system operates by filtering or removing radon before water reaches household taps, thereby lowering the source concentration responsible for indoor air release. Selecting this technology depends on test results from a certified laboratory for your own water source, enabling an informed decision based on measured radon demand in specific household water.
Understanding your local radon context and choosing the appropriate technology can help manage the radon exposure pathway effectively. The C-Series System offers a documented method for addressing radon in water after confirming your household’s water quality through proper testing.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-10-18. 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 112CLMB aquifer (New Castle County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 228.5 pCi/L, range 138.0-460.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold