RADON REMOVAL - WATER
There are two main sources for the radon in your home's indoor air, the soil and the water supply.
The radon in your water supply poses an inhalation risk and an ingestion risk. Research has shown that your risk of lung cancer from breathing radon in air is much larger than your risk of stomach cancer from swallowing water with radon in it. Most of your risk from radon in water comes from radon released into the air when water is used for showering and other household purposes.
Radon in your home's water is not usually a problem when its source is surface water (i.e. reservoir). A radon in water problem is more likely when its source is ground water, e.g. a private well or a public water supply system that uses ground water. If you are concerned that radon may be entering your home through the water and your water comes from a public water supply, contact your water supplier.
Please be aware that the EPA has not set a standard or "action level" when mitigation is recommended. The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health has established a recommended action level of 5,000 pCi/L.
The good news is if you've tested your private well and have a radon in water problem, it can be fixed.
RADON REDUCTION - WATER
There are two main sources for the radon in your home's indoor air, the soil and the water supply.
There are two techniques used to reduce radon in the water. The first method uses Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and the second is Aeration.
GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBON
The GAC system operates by feeding the water through a bed of carbon that adsorbs or grabs the radon to prevent it from moving down line to areas of usage in the home. The radon eventually decays to other radioactive isotopes. One problem with this process is that these radioactive elements can build-up and give off dangerous levels of Gamma radiation.
The major advantage of a GAC system is:
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Initial purchase price is lower
The disadvantages are significant:
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High yearly maintenance costs to change these carbon beds ($500+)
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Loss of water pressure may occur
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Maximum treatment levels limited to 10,000 pCi/L
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As the carbon looses its effectiveness, the radon levels will unknowingly increase
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The bed can become low level radioactive waste if improperly maintained or if treatment levels exceed maximum rating
AERATION
Aeration on the other hand is considered the "Best Available Technology" by the EPA for correcting high radon in water and why we choose to use patented aeration technologies exclusively. The process here involves violently agitating the water in a self contained appliance. Agitation causes the radon to leave the water where it is safely vented above the roof of the home. There is no Gamma radiation to be concerned about since radioactive levels do not build-up.
The advantages of an aeration system are significant:
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This equipment is designed to treat levels far exceeding 10,000 pCi/L
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Provides a more consistent radon reduction
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Can easily accommodate swings in radon levels as the water source changes throughout the season
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No radioactive build-up will occur since GAC isn't used
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Typically improves water pressure
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May correct low pH
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Lower yearly maintenance costs
The disadvantages:
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Initial purchase price is higher
ON SITE EVALUATION
The right system depends on your water usage, initial radon levels, and existing mechanicals. We offer installation and servicing of the two leading equipment manufacturers ... RE Prescott Bubble-Up solutions and Spruce AIRaider models. An in-house review is suggested and is available at no cost or obligation.
