Radon in Webster Parish Water: Evaluating Variability and Sample Size in Aquifer 124SPRT

A laboratory report for radon in water typically lists the measured concentration in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). In Webster Parish, Louisiana, groundwater samples taken from aquifer 124SPRT recorded radon-222 concentrations in eight results collected from seven wells between June 18, 2012 and July 28, 2014. This data, gathered by the U.S. Geological Survey, found radon present in all samples with a median concentration of 86.0 pCi/L and measurements ranging from 54.0 to 640.0 pCi/L. It is important to note these figures represent area-wide conditions, not your household water specifically. No results in this set exceeded any federal health-based threshold.

If you consider seasonal or multi-year variation in radon levels

The data comes from sampling over a two-year period, capturing possible fluctuations in radon concentrations related to seasonal changes or varying groundwater conditions. The range seen—from as low as 54.0 to as high as 640.0 pCi/L—demonstrates this natural variability. Since radon solubility and migration in groundwater can be influenced by factors such as temperature, water table changes, and well drawdown, concentrations in your well might also change over time. This means one test may not fully represent your ongoing radon exposure in water.

If you consider the number of samples and wells behind the radon figures

Eight samples from seven wells provide a limited but meaningful snapshot of radon occurrence in aquifer 124SPRT. While this sampling offers insight into regional conditions, a small sample size means localized variation can be significant. Each well’s depth ranged between 80 and 640 feet, which also affects radon levels. Because of this limited data, you cannot know your specific water’s radon concentration without individual laboratory testing of your household supply.

If you want a practical example of reading the median and range from this record

• The median of 86.0 pCi/L indicates that half the samples had radon levels above this value and half below.
• The low end of 54.0 pCi/L and high end of 640.0 pCi/L reflect how widely radon concentration can vary even within studied wells of the same area.
• Neither the median nor the range alone identifies a risk level without considering federal guidelines and your own water use.

For context, no federal limit was exceeded in these samples, but this does not guarantee safety for your individual well or tap water. Testing your home water is necessary for precise assessment.

If you consider how depth and source type impact expected radon levels

Radon in groundwater typically originates from natural radioactive decay in rock and soil. Wells drawing from different depths can contain varying radon concentrations because radon dissolves into water as it contacts the rocks underground. The sampled wells’ depths ranged broadly from 80 to 640 feet, contributing to the range in observed radon values. Your well’s depth and construction also influence the radon level you might find. Groundwater sources such as springs or shallower wells may differ from deeper wells in radon concentration.

If you observe household signs or symptoms that might relate to radon in water

• Do not assume common water issues like taste, odor, or staining directly indicate radon presence. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, so typical aesthetic water problems are not reliable indicators.
• The primary concern with radon is inhalation of gas released during water use (e.g., showering), which can raise indoor air radon levels.
• Symptoms such as respiratory irritation or illness are not specifically caused by waterborne radon.
• Radon-related health concerns require testing and measurement rather than relying on observable symptoms.

In summary, the government sampling for Webster Parish's aquifer 124SPRT shows radon present with notable variation over time and depth but no federal exceedances. This record is based on limited samples from a range of well depths. Understanding this helps frame your need for testing your own water to determine radon concentration. If your current equipment to reduce radon has failed, the Pentair Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure as a reliable approach to managing radon in household water.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2014-07-28. 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 124SPRT aquifer (Webster Parish): 8 results from 7 wells, median 86.0 pCi/L, range 54.0-640.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold