Radon in Well Water: What Connecticut Homeowners Need to Know
When most people think of radon, they associate it with airborne exposure, particularly in basements. However, an often-overlooked source of radon exposure is well water. For homeowners in Connecticut, where well water is common in many rural and suburban areas, understanding the risks of radon in drinking water is crucial for health and safety.
What is Radon?
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the decay of uranium, thorium, and radium in rocks and soil. It can enter buildings through cracks in floors and walls, and it can also contaminate water sources, including private wells. Prolonged exposure to radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., just behind smoking.
While most people are aware of radon’s airborne risks, fewer realize that radon can also enter homes through well water. In Connecticut, many homes rely on private wells as their primary source of water, which increases the importance of testing for radon in well water.
How Does Radon Get Into Well Water?
Radon is present in groundwater due to the natural breakdown of uranium deposits in bedrock. When groundwater is extracted from wells that tap into radon-containing bedrock, the gas can dissolve into the water. When the water is used, radon can be released into the air, especially during activities like showering, washing dishes, or running a washing machine.
In addition to this airborne exposure, consuming water with radon can also pose a long-term health risk, although the primary risk from radon in water is related to inhalation from water vapor rather than ingestion.

How Common Is Radon in Well Water in Connecticut?
Connecticut is part of the region known as the “Radon Belt,” which is a stretch of the northeastern U.S. where high levels of radon have been found in both the air and water. The state’s geology, with its significant areas of granite and shale, is conducive to radon deposits, meaning that many private wells in Connecticut are at risk of contamination.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the EPA recommend that homeowners with private wells test their water for radon, particularly if their well is located in areas with known high radon levels. Certain counties in Connecticut, especially those in the central and northern parts of the state, have been shown to have higher concentrations of radon in water.
Testing for Radon in Well Water
Testing for radon in well water is essential for any homeowner who uses a private well. The process involves collecting a water sample from the well and sending it to a certified laboratory for analysis. While radon in water doesn’t present an immediate health risk through ingestion, it can release harmful radon gas into the air when the water is used, increasing the risk of lung cancer, particularly for individuals who spend a lot of time in their homes.
Key Steps for Testing for Radon in Well Water:
- Contact Us: At Schaefer Inspection Service, we offer professional water testing services, including radon analysis, to ensure your water is safe. Learn more about our water testing services here: Schaefer Inspection Service Water Testing.
- Test Regularly: It’s important to test your well water for radon regularly. Experts recommend testing every 2-3 years, especially if there has been any construction or changes in the geology of your property that could affect radon levels.
- Consider Airborne Radon Testing: Along with testing well water, it’s also advisable to test your indoor air for radon. Even if the levels of radon in your water are not elevated, radon exposure through the air can still be a risk.
What to Do if You Have High Radon Levels in Well Water
If your well water test indicates high radon levels, it’s essential to take action to reduce the radon exposure in your home. The EPA recommends addressing waterborne radon if levels exceed 4,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), which is the threshold where health risks become more significant. For reference, the average indoor air radon level is typically measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L), with levels above 4 pCi/L requiring mitigation.
Options for Mitigating Radon in Well Water:
- Aeration Systems: These systems are designed to release radon gas from water by exposing the water to air before it enters the home. Aeration systems can be installed in your home’s plumbing, usually in the water line before it enters the household pipes.
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filtration: A GAC filter can be used to remove radon from water by adsorbing the radon onto the carbon material. However, this system requires maintenance, as the carbon filters need to be replaced periodically.
- Wellhead Treatment: For some well systems, installing a radon treatment system directly at the wellhead can be a highly effective way to remove radon before it enters the home.
It’s important to consult with a radon mitigation professional to determine the most appropriate treatment system based on your home’s specific needs and the level of radon contamination.
Health Risks and Concerns
The health risks from radon exposure through well water primarily arise when radon is released into the air. Inhalation of radon gas is the major concern, as long-term exposure is linked to lung cancer. The risk increases if you use hot water (such as in showers) or engage in activities that release water vapor.
While consuming water with radon is not considered a significant risk, radon exposure in air through showering, washing, and other water-related activities poses a much higher health risk.
Helpful Resources and Links
- Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Radon Information: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Environmental-Health/Radon/Radon-Home
- EPA Radon Information: https://www.epa.gov/radon
- Radon in Water Fact Sheet (EPA): https://www.epa.gov/radon/radon-water
Conclusion
Radon in well water is a serious health concern for homeowners in Connecticut, especially those who rely on private wells for drinking water. Regular testing and mitigation are key steps in reducing the risks associated with radon exposure. By understanding the sources of radon in water and the best ways to address them, Connecticut homeowners can take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from this dangerous gas.
If you’re a homeowner in Connecticut with a private well, it’s crucial to have your well water tested for radon. With the right precautions, you can reduce exposure and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is safe from radon’s harmful effects.