Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rock and soil. It is odorless, tasteless and invisible. Radon becomes a concern when it dissolves into groundwater and finds its way into well water used for drinking and household purposes. Long term exposure to radon in drinking water can increase the risk of developing certain cancers like lung cancer and stomach cancer. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 4,000 pCi/L for radon in public water supplies. However, the US national average indoor radon level is 1.3 pCi/L. Even low levels of radon exposure over many years can be a health concern. Homeowners in Tampa Bay, Florida relying on private well water drawn from the Floridan Aquifer need to test and mitigate radon in their well water.
Health Risks of Radon Exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium and radium. It is found in many rock and soil types but is more prevalent in granite, shale, phosphate and metamorphic rock. Radon dissolves easily in water and tends to accumulate in groundwater sources like wells and springs.
The US Environmental Protection Agency classifies radon as a human carcinogen. Breathing in or ingesting water containing radon can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of developing lung cancer over one's lifetime. The health risks depend on the level of radon as well as the duration of exposure. Children are especially vulnerable to radon exposure.
Studies show that swallowing water with high radon levels may also increase stomach cancer risks. However, the greatest threat is still through inhalation when the gas escapes from water during showering, washing dishes and other household activities. The Florida Department of Health recommends testing all homes for radon in air and water.
Testing Well Water for Radon
Since radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, the only way to detect its presence is through specialized laboratory testing. Homeowners relying on private well water should test for radon at least once every 5 years.
The most common method is a radon-in-water test using EPA approved laboratory protocols. A licensed water testing professional will take a sample from the well and send it to a certified lab for analysis via liquid scintillation or radioactivity counting. Results are reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L).
Another option is a home radon test kit that can detect radon levels in water up to 10,000 pCi/L. The Florida Department of Health Radon Program offers low-cost test kits to homeowners along with complimentary lab analysis.
Always use a Florida certified drinking water testing lab when checking well water for health hazards like radon, bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates and other contaminants. Contact Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions in Tampa Bay to schedule a professional water test.
Effective Filtration Options for Removing Radon from Well Water
If lab results show radon concentrations above 4,000 pCi/L, steps must be taken to mitigate the health risks. The two most effective solutions for radon removal from well water are:
Aeration Treatment Systems
Aeration uses an air blower or compressor to strip radon gas from the water before it enters your home's plumbing system. As water flows into an aeration tank, it is exposed to air. The agitation causes radon to convert from a dissolved gas to a released gas that vents to the outside air.
Home aeration systems consist of the air blower, aeration tank, vent stack and controllers. They can be installed on the main water line or at the wellhead. Aeration removes up to 99% of radon while also improving water's taste, odor and clarity. It is one of the most economical radon removal methods.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
GAC filters use activated charcoal to adsorb and remove radon and other contaminants from water. As water passes through the carbon granules, radon binds to their porous surface and gets trapped inside the filter.
The AquaCarbonGuard filter from Aqua-Wise uses a vertical pressurized tank filled with catalytic carbon media to reduce radon, hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Up to 12 cubic feet of carbon is needed to remove radon. The filters must be properly maintained and the GAC media replaced regularly.
GAC filters can remove 95% of radon and are often combined with aeration systems for maximum radon reduction.
Other Technologies for Radon Mitigation
While aeration and GAC filters are the top choice for treating radon in well water, other systems can also help:
Reverse osmosis systems like the AquaRevive from Aqua-Wise can reduce radon up to 85% by forcing water through a membrane that filters out contaminants. A storage tank and remineralization may be needed to prevent water waste.
Ion exchange water softeners are moderately effective at radon removal through ion exchange. Up to 50% reduction is possible with the right resin. The AquaLux softener from Aqua-Wise uses high-capacity resin for removing radon and hardness minerals.
UV disinfection systems like the AquaGuard don't remove radon but can inactivate any radon byproducts and harmful bacteria in the water.
Whole house filtration systems such as the AquaBlue carbon filter will reduce radon levels along with improving taste, odor and clarity. But GAC filters are more effective for high radon concentrations.
For customized whole house water treatment in Tampa Bay that tackles radon, bacteria, chlorine, hardness, iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, pesticides, VOCs and other water quality issues, contact the experts at Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions. Schedule a no-obligation water analysis to help determine the most appropriate radon removal system for your home.
Healthy Water Matters for Tampa Bay Families
Removing radon from your private well water is crucial for protecting your family's health and avoiding the risk of lung, stomach and other cancers. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Don't take any chances with this dangerous radioactive gas leaching into your household water from the Floridan Aquifer.
In addition to radon, well water drawn from the aquifer may contain other hazards like:
Coliform and E. coli bacteria - can cause gastrointestinal illness. The AquaGuard UV system kills over 99% of pathogens.
Hardness minerals - clog plumbing and appliances and leave unsightly spotting on dishes and fixtures. The AquaLux water softener prevents scale buildup.
Iron and sulfur - produce red/brown staining, foul odors and an unpleasant metallic taste. An ozone generator like the HydroClear oxidizes iron and sulfur for filter removal.
Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury and chromium - even small amounts can accumulate and harm health over time. Reverse osmosis and iron-oxidizing filters help decrease metals.
Nitrates - can cause methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome" in infants. Carbon block filters like the AquaBlue reduce nitrate contamination.
Chlorine - creates potentially carcinogenic byproducts when added to disinfect well water. The AquaCarbonGuard filter removes chlorine for better drinking water.
Agricultural runoff - herbicides, pesticides and pharmaceuticals require special treatment like reverse osmosis paired with activated carbon filtration.
Protect your household with a tailored whole house water purification system from Aqua-Wise that addresses your well water's unique composition and health risks. Contact us for a free water test and analysis in Tampa: 727-236-7161
Schedule a Free Tampa Bay Water Analysis
Has your well water tested high for radon or other major health hazards? Take advantage of Aqua-Wise's decades of experience providing customized water filtration systems for homes and businesses relying on well water in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Contact Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions today to request a free well water test for your Florida home. Our water experts will come and collect a sample, then analyze it at our local certified lab. Within days you will receive a detailed report outlining any contaminants present along with treatment recommendations. There is NO cost or obligation for this service.
We also offer:
💧 Iron, sulfur and manganese removal systems
💧 Sediment filtration for turbidity
💧 Water softening solutions for scale and spot prevention
💧 Disinfection via ozone, chlorine injection or UV light
💧 Removal of pesticides, herbicides, VOCs and other organic chemicals
💧 Reverse osmosis and carbon block filtration
💧 Commercial and industrial water purification
Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today or call 727-236-7161 to start the process of removing radon and other contaminants from your Tampa area well water. Aqua-Wise has the cutting edge treatment technology and expertise to design an effective whole house system tailored to your water quality issues. Invest in clean, healthy water for your home and family.
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