Fleck Radon in Water Filter

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What the Median and Range of Radon Measurements Mean for a Household in Potter County

Potter County's groundwater shows radon-222 detections in all 46 wells sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey between May and September 2017. The median radon concentration among those wells was 905 pCi/L, with values ranging from 0 to 3140 pCi/L. For a homeowner, this means radon is commonly present in local aquifer water at a wide range of levels. These figures are from wells 33 to 600 feet deep and represent the area’s general groundwater quality, not any single well or tap. Knowing this range helps frame expectations, but only a specific well test determines your home's radon level.

Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Water Users in Potter County

While households focus on radon concentrations affecting drinking water, commercial and industrial operators often evaluate radon levels in the context of larger volumes, equipment corrosion potential, and process impacts. Such users may require more frequent and diverse sampling since radon might influence water treatment systems or safety procedures beyond residential concerns. They might also consult federal guidelines or state regulations applicable to their operational scale, though no federal threshold was exceeded in the 2017 Potter County aquifer samples.

Fixtures and Processes Most Affected by Radon in Household Water

In homes, radon dissolved in water primarily impacts indoor air quality when water is used in activities that release gas into the air, such as showering, bathing, cooking, and dishwashing. Faucets and showers are typically the first fixtures where radon gas transfers from water to air, potentially increasing indoor radon concentrations. Appliances involving aeration of water will also facilitate radon release. Therefore, these fixtures and uses are key points to address when considering mitigation strategies.

Origins of Radon in Potter County Groundwater Aquifers

Radon-222 is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium in soil and rock. In Potter County, it enters groundwater by leaching from the geological formations that contain uranium-bearing minerals. The radon gas dissolves into the water in the aquifer as it moves through these rocks, explaining its presence and variability across different well depths and locations in the county.

Understanding Sampling Terms: 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in the USGS Radon Data

All 46 wells sampled in Potter County showed radon detections, meaning instruments measured radon at or above the reporting limit in every sample. The median value of 905 pCi/L represents the middle concentration when all results are ordered from lowest to highest, showing a typical level within the area but not the specific concentration in any one well. The range from 0 to 3140 pCi/L indicates the lowest and highest values recorded, showing variability but not implying unsafe conditions or violations, as no federal health-based limits were exceeded.

Next Step: Testing Your Well Water Radon Level to Choose a Treatment Approach

Because local groundwater radon levels vary, the critical step for a household weighing treatment options is to have their own well water radon concentration measured by a certified lab. The test result tells whether radon is present at levels warranting mitigation and helps determine which technology best suits your home's needs. The Fleck Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure and can be an effective solution for reducing radon in household water based on your specific test results.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-09-19. 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 aquifer (Potter County): 46 results from 46 wells, median 905.0 pCi/L, range 0.0-3140.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold