Radon Contamination in Drinking Water Around Tampa Bay, Florida
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. It is formed from the natural radioactive decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon can dissolve into groundwater and be released into the air when water is used in the home. Exposure to radon over a long period of time can increase your risk of lung cancer.
Presence of Radon in Drinking Water in Tampa Bay
Radon has been detected in drinking water sources throughout Florida, including private wells and public water systems that use groundwater. The EPA has found that about 1 in 5 private wells in Florida have radon levels above the proposed maximum contaminant level of 4,000 pCi/L.
Radon in water is a concern in the Tampa Bay area, which relies heavily on groundwater for drinking water supply. The radon levels in untreated groundwater from aquifers such as the Floridan Aquifer System can be quite high in some locations. When radon-rich groundwater is used for tap water, radon can be released into the air when water is used in the home, potentially exposing residents.
Health Concerns of Radon Exposure
Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down further, these particles release small bursts of energy that can damage lung tissue. Your risk of lung cancer increases with greater radon exposure. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
The EPA estimates that radon causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. Most of this is from radon entering homes through soil. Radon in drinking water is a smaller risk, but still a concern worth addressing.
Counties, Cities and Neighborhoods with Radon in Water
Hillsborough County
Tampa
Temple Terrace
Plant City
Lutz
Land O' Lakes
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg
Clearwater
Largo
Dunedin
Palm Harbor
Pasco County
New Port Richey
Port Richey
Zephyrhills
Holiday
Dade City
Radon has been detected at some level in groundwater nearly everywhere throughout the counties and cities around Tampa Bay. Homeowners with private wells should test specifically for radon in their well water.
Water Treatment Solutions for Radon
The most effective way to remove radon from water is via granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration. GAC adsorbs radon until the carbon becomes saturated. The EPA recommends GAC filters be changed every 3-6 months in areas with high radon levels.
Some options for radon removal in Tampa Bay homes include:
AquaBlue Whole House Filter System - Uses GAC to filter out radon and other contaminants throughout the home.
AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System - An under sink RO system with a GAC prefilter that removes radon. Provides filtered water for drinking and cooking.
WellFusion Well Water Treatment Systems - Whole house filtration systems designed specifically for treating contaminants in well water, including radon removal.
Point of use GAC filters - Pitcher or faucet mount filters containing GAC media that remove radon from water at a single tap. These provide filtered water for drinking and cooking.
Proper maintenance and filter replacements are important for any radon removal system. An annual retest of your water is also recommended after installing treatment to ensure radon levels are being reduced adequately.
For more information on how radon and other contaminants like hardness and chlorine affect your personal health and home, see this overview on the Effects of Hard Water and Contaminants on Personal Care.
Contact Aqua-Wise for Water Testing and Treatment in Tampa
To learn if radon is present in your home's water, schedule a free water test from our team of water quality experts. We'll check your water for radon along with other common contaminants affecting Tampa Bay homes.
Based on your water test results, we can recommend the right filtration or treatment solutions to remove radon and improve the quality of water throughout your home.
Aqua-Wise offers discounts, promotions, and financing options to help you afford important water treatment to protect your home and health from radon and other contaminants. Contact us today or schedule your water test to get started!