Local Aquifer and How Water Reaches Your Taps
In Greene County, Pennsylvania, groundwater is drawn from the local aquifer to supply many private wells. This aquifer system provides water that moves from underground rock formations through well casings and into household plumbing before reaching your taps. The water that comes from these sources can carry naturally occurring constituents found in the earth, including Radon-222.
Limitations of Public System Records Compared to Private Well Testing
Government measurements, such as those by the U.S. Geological Survey, provide data on water quality from area wells—like the aquifer wells sampled in Greene County. However, these area-wide records represent general water conditions for the region and do not directly characterize any individual household’s well. A private well owner needs specific water testing to understand their water’s Radon levels accurately, as local variation can be significant.
What a Certified Laboratory Test for Radon Provides
A certified laboratory test for Radon in water measures the concentration of Radon-222, reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). In Greene County, samples from three separate wells taken in June 2025 showed Radon concentrations ranging between 200.0 and 450.0 pCi/L, with a median of 290.0 pCi/L. These numbers reflect detections well below federal thresholds for Radon in drinking water. It is important to note, however, that a detection is merely a measurement and not a classification of safety or hazard. Understanding your specific test results requires recognizing that Radon is a radioactive gas that can dissolve into groundwater and affect water quality and indoor air when water is used.
Impact of Plumbing Material and Age on Radon Levels
The plumbing system inside a home can influence how Radon behaves once water enters the household. Older or non-airtight plumbing materials may allow Radon gas to escape into indoor air during water use, such as when showers are running or clothes washing machines operate. This aspect is separate from the Radon concentration present at the source water and pertains to how the gas transfers from water to air within the home environment.
The Origin of Radon in Greene County Groundwater
Radon-222 found in Greene County’s aquifer originates from the natural decay of uranium in surrounding soils and rock formations. As Radon is a gas, it can dissolve into groundwater moving through these materials. The measured concentrations in wells reflect this natural geologic process rather than contamination from human activities. This baseline understanding helps inform what levels might be expected in private wells in the area.
Fixtures and Appliances Most Affected by Radon Water Content
Radon in water most commonly affects fixtures where water is agitated or aerated, such as showers, faucets, and water heaters. When water containing Radon is used, the gas can volatilize and enter indoor air, potentially increasing inhalation exposure. Appliances that do not expose water to air, such as toilets, are less likely to contribute to airborne Radon from water.
What Not to Conclude from Area Radon Data
While government sampling shows Radon is present in Greene County aquifer wells, these figures do not define your household’s water quality. Your own well may have higher or lower Radon concentrations, which can only be determined by certified laboratory testing of your well water. Additionally, the presence of Radon measured in these samples is not a violation of any federal standard. It is not a health finding by itself and does not mean your water is unsafe. If you are concerned about Radon levels after equipment failure, treatment options such as the Fleck Radon in Water Filter system ship ready to configure and address Radon reduction, offering a documented solution engineered for residential water treatment.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-06-11. 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 (Greene County): 3 results from 3 wells, median 290.0 pCi/L, range 200.0-450.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold
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