What changes for a large household, a second home, or a seasonal property?
Radon concentrations in water can vary with the amount of water used and how frequently water systems are flushed. A large household using more water daily may reduce radon levels at the tap due to increased water turnover, whereas seasonal or second homes may experience higher radon accumulation from extended periods of no use. Understanding your household’s water usage pattern helps determine if treatment approaches should be adjusted to maintain consistent radon reduction.
What 'detected', 'median' and 'range' mean in the sampling record on this page?
In Sussex County’s aquifer 112CLMB, radon was detected in every sample taken from ten separate wells between 2012 and 2018. Detected means the instruments measured radon, but this does not imply any health or safety concern by itself. The median value of 177.5 pCi/L represents the middle value of the results when ordered, providing a typical concentration found in the area. The range from 59.0 to 320.0 pCi/L shows the variability across different wells. These figures reflect regional conditions, not the exact level in your well.
How to compare this area's record with a neighbouring county's without overreading it?
Sampling results differ between counties due to geology and aquifer properties. Although Sussex County’s median and range provide a snapshot of radon presence here, comparing these numbers directly with a neighbouring county is uninformative without considering differences in aquifer depth, well construction, and sampling times. Differences in values do not indicate safer or more dangerous water but rather natural variation. Each home’s water should be tested independently for accurate assessment.
What a certified laboratory test for this constituent reports and how to read it?
A certified laboratory test on your household water will measure the specific radon concentration in your supply, reporting it in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This result shows only your water’s condition at the time of sampling. Reading the report involves noting the measured value and consulting guidance on what levels may warrant treatment. Such tests are required to make informed decisions and cannot be replaced by general area data.
The role of plumbing material and age, separate from the source water
While radon originates from the groundwater source, plumbing materials and the age of pipes affect how radon travels and accumulates inside your home. Older or certain types of plumbing may allow radon gas to enter indoor air more easily after water usage, contributing to inhalation exposure. Evaluating plumbing factors complements water testing and treatment efforts to reduce radon risks effectively.
What should you NOT conclude from area data?
Data from Sussex County’s aquifer 112CLMB wells provide general insight but do not reveal the radon level in your tap water. Detection alone is not a violation or indication of unsafe water. Only a certified test of your household water can determine your specific need for mitigation. Where treatment is appropriate, the Autotrol Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure and is documented as an effective solution to reduce radon concentrations in residential water supplies.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-11-15. 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 (Sussex County): 10 results from 10 wells, median 177.5 pCi/L, range 59.0-320.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold