Radon in Anne Arundel County's Deep Aquifer Water Supply
Anne Arundel County, Maryland, draws groundwater from aquifer 217PPSCU, where wells typically reach depths between 200 and 439 feet. Water travels through underground rock formations before arriving at household taps, carrying dissolved elements including Radon-222, a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in some groundwater sources.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Untreated Radon in Water
When radon in water remains untreated over many years, it can gradually contribute to indoor air radon levels. Although radon exposure primarily concerns air inhalation, waterborne radon can release gas into home air during activities such as showering and cooking. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon in air is linked to increased health risks, so mitigating radon transfer from water to air is a consideration for households.
Public Water System Records Versus Private Well Radon Testing
Public water systems in Anne Arundel County maintain routine water quality records and adhere to federal standards. These records provide data averaged over many sources and time periods but do not measure individual well conditions. Private well owners do not have mandatory monitoring; thus, testing a specific well's water is essential to understand its radon content. Public data offers a regional baseline but cannot substitute for private well testing.
Understanding Radon Concentrations Relative to Federal Standards
U.S. Geological Survey samples from three separate wells in aquifer 217PPSCU showed radon-222 concentrations ranging from 29.0 to 124.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with a median of 57.0 pCi/L. None of these results exceeded federal guidelines regarding radon in drinking water. Consequently, detected radon levels in this area reflect natural variations rather than regulatory exceedances or violations.
Interpreting 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in Radon Sampling
'Detected' means the measurement instrument found radon present in all three sampled wells; no samples fell below the detection limit. The median value of 57.0 pCi/L represents the middle concentration when all results are ordered numerically, providing a measure of central tendency in the samples. The range from 29.0 to 124.0 pCi/L indicates variability among sampled wells, reflecting natural geological differences across the aquifer rather than conditions in any single household well.
Symptoms and Signs Potentially Related to Radon in Household Water
Radon gas dissolved in water does not cause taste, odor, or visible water changes. Symptoms such as unusual water smell or discoloration do not indicate radon presence. Radon concerns arise primarily from possible health risks linked to breathing radon gas released from water during household use. Therefore, awareness depends largely on testing rather than observable water characteristics.
The Recommended Test to Clarify Your Water’s Radon Status
To determine your household’s radon concentration in water, a specific radon test must be conducted on water drawn from your own well or supply tap. This test provides a direct measurement, distinguishing your water from regional data. A confirmed test result allows informed decisions about treatment options such as the C-Series Radon in Water Filter, which ships ready to configure and can reduce radon levels where needed.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-11-30. 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 217PPSCU aquifer (Anne Arundel County): 3 results from 3 wells, median 57.0 pCi/L, range 29.0-124.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold