1. How Radon Enters Groundwater in Sullivan County
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock beneath the earth's surface. In Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, groundwater from aquifer 337HNLM can contain radon that dissolves into well water. This happens as water passes through underground formations containing uranium. Radon can then be released into the air when water is used in the home, such as when showering, cooking, or laundering.
2. A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range
The U.S. Geological Survey collected 13 samples from 7 wells in this aquifer between 2012 and 2017. Results showed radon concentrations ranging from 200 to 4,700 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with a median value of 980 pCi/L. These measurements highlight variability in radon levels within the region's groundwater, but none of these samples exceeded federal action levels for radon in drinking water.
For homeowners, this means the aquifer often contains detectable radon but does not necessarily indicate a safety violation. Individual wells can vary significantly, so testing your own water is essential to understand your specific radon level.
3. What to Note Before Asking for Treatment Advice
Before deciding on radon treatment options, gather these details:
- Your water source type (private well or public supply)
- Depth of your well, if applicable
- Your certified laboratory radon test results for your water sample
- Water usage patterns and household size
Having this information ready ensures any treatment approach is matched accurately to your household needs and water characteristics.
4. The Impact of Sample Size and Number of Wells on Understanding Radon Data
The 13 samples stem from only 7 wells, which limits the extent to which they represent every well in Sullivan County’s aquifer 337HNLM. More samples and wells would provide a fuller picture, but these data points still offer useful regional context. They confirm radon presence is common in this aquifer, serving as a baseline for homeowners considering water tests and potential treatment.
5. Considerations for Large Households, Second Homes, and Seasonal Use
Water use varies with household size and occupancy patterns, influencing radon exposure from water. Larger families or homes with higher water consumption may see a greater cumulative radon effect from water use. For seasonal properties, radon levels can remain consistent in groundwater, but periodic water testing is advisable to track any changes over time.
Deciding on an effective water radon reduction system requires understanding both your water's radon concentration and how your household uses water.
The documented regional data apply to Sullivan County's aquifer 337HNLM and derive from USGS samples taken between 2012 and 2017 from several wells ranging in depth from 46 to 280 feet. For more detailed information, you can consult the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater data portal directly.
For treatment, the Autotrol Radon in Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce radon levels in household water, helping you manage this constituent effectively once your own water's radon concentration is established.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2017-11-08. 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 337HNLM aquifer (Sullivan County): 13 results from 7 wells, median 980.0 pCi/L, range 200.0-4700.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold
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