WATER CONTAMINATION

RADON CONTAMINATION & TREATMENT

Solving Radon Contamination Problems in Well Water

Radon is found in almost all well water in New Hampshire and is a common problem throughout New England, yet few people conduct tests on their home water supply to see if radon is present. If tests show there is radon in your water, there are ways to reduce the amount.

 

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, naturally occurring radioactive gas found in rocks and soil around the world. Radon dissolves into groundwater and is released later in the home during everyday tasks like showering and washing dishes. When radon is released into the home, it can accumulate and increase risk of disease, particularly lung cancer. Radon also poses a health risk when consumed in water and is a relatively high risk factor when compared to other drinking water contaminants.

 

TESTING FOR RADON

Both the air inside your home and private well water supplies should be tested for radon. The test is simple and requires only a small water sample. Testing can be done at any time of the year, but if the well has not been used regularly, the water should be flushed first to get an accurate read. Radon levels in water can vary from test to test. Because of this, at least two radon tests should be done at least one month apart to determine the average concentration.

 

TREATMENT FOR RADON CONTAMINATION

If testing determines there is radon in your well water, there are some options for removing the harmful gas. Aeration treatment can remove more than 99 percent of radon through a process of mixing clean air with the well water. The removed radon is then released into the air outside the home while the treated water is sent through the home plumbing system.


Another method is activated carbon treatment. Similar to a charcoal filter, water is passed through the carbon, removing the radon. This is usually only used if radon levels are low.


If you are concerned about radon in your water, contact Skillings & Sons, LLC to schedule a test.


CONTACT US

9 Columbia Drive

Amherst, NH 03031

info@skillingsandsons.com​​​​​​​