Radon in Well Water Treatment: What New Hampshire Homeowners Need to Know
If your home relies on a private well for water, you may already be aware of risks like arsenic, iron, or bacteria. However, there is one silent danger that many homeowners overlook: radon in well water. While radon is more commonly associated with air quality and foundation issues, it can also be present in groundwater, especially in areas like New Hampshire, where granite bedrock naturally releases radioactive gases. Thankfully, radon in well water treatment is a proven and highly effective solution to protect your health and home. At Advanced Radon Mitigation & Water Treatment, we install systems that remove radon at the source and provide long-term peace of mind.
Understanding Radon in Well Water
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, making it difficult to detect without specialized testing. While radon typically enters homes through cracks in the foundation, it can also dissolve into well water and be released into the air when that water is used for showering, cooking, or doing laundry.
The danger lies in inhalation. When radon is released into the air from water, it can accumulate in poorly ventilated spaces, contributing to indoor air pollution. According to the EPA, inhaling radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States after smoking. Drinking water with radon may also contribute to internal organ exposure, though the risk is lower compared to inhalation.
Why Radon in Well Water Is a New Hampshire Concern
New Hampshire’s geology includes a significant amount of granite bedrock, which naturally emits radon. This makes the state one of the regions most at risk for elevated indoor radon levels, both in the air and in well water.
The EPA does not regulate radon in private wells, but it recommends treatment when water contains radon concentrations at or above 4,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). In areas with high indoor air radon or where water is heavily used for indoor activities, action may be needed even at lower levels.
Key Risk Factors:
- Your home uses a private well
- Your property sits on granite bedrock
- You have never tested your well water for radon
- You already have a radon mitigation system for air, but not for water
- You or a family member has respiratory health concerns
How Radon in Well Water Treatment Works
Removing radon from water requires specialized equipment that captures or vents the gas before it can enter your home’s air supply. At Advanced Radon Mitigation & Water Treatment, we typically use aeration systems, the most effective method for this application.
1. Aeration Systems
Aeration involves mixing air with water inside a sealed tank, allowing radon gas to escape into a separate chamber. The radon-rich air is then safely vented outdoors through piping. The treated water is then delivered to your home, free from radon.
Benefits of aeration systems:
- Removes up to 99% of radon from water
- Long-term solution with minimal maintenance
- Safe, chemical-free process
- Designed for whole-house protection
2. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
While less effective than aeration, GAC filters can remove some radon by trapping it in carbon media. However, they are generally only recommended for lower radon levels due to the risk of radioactive buildup in the filter itself.
Important Note:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) systems are not recommended for water with radon levels above 5,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). At higher concentrations, the carbon media may accumulate unsafe levels of radioactivity and require special handling or disposal. For this reason, aeration is strongly preferred for moderate to high radon levels.
Limitations of GAC:
- Less effective for high radon levels
- Requires regular media replacement
- Not suitable as a standalone solution for concentrations exceeding 5,000 pCi/L
Benefits of Treating Radon in Well Water
Treating your well water for radon offers a range of benefits beyond health protection. It ensures clean water at every tap, enhances indoor air quality, and even adds value to your home.
Health and Safety
- Reduces radon-related lung cancer risk
- Minimizes inhalation exposure during water use
- Provides cleaner air and safer water
Home Protection
- Prevents radon accumulation in indoor spaces
- Complements existing radon air mitigation systems
- Improves resale value with documented mitigation
Peace of Mind
- Allows you to use water confidently without fear
- Demonstrates proactive home maintenance
- Protects family members, especially children and seniors
Installation and Maintenance
Our radon in well water treatment systems are installed at the point of entry, meaning all water entering your home is treated before it reaches any faucets, showers, or appliances.
Installation Overview:
- Review certified third-party test results
- Recommend the appropriate treatment system
- Perform clean, professional installation
- Configure system settings and test airflow and radon reduction
- Provide detailed guidance on system operation and basic maintenance
Maintenance typically includes periodic inspections and cleaning. Aeration systems may require filter changes or component replacements every few years, depending on usage and water quality.
What Sets Advanced Radon Mitigation & Water Treatment Apart
We have been serving Southern, Central, and Coastal New Hampshire for over 25 years. With extensive knowledge of regional geology and a reputation for professionalism, we offer:
- Certified and insured installers
- Systems that meet EPA guidance and state recommendations
- Transparent, pressure-free consultations
- Long-term support and servicing
We do not perform water testing ourselves in order to avoid conflicts of interest. However, we are happy to recommend trusted labs that can perform certified radon-in-water testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if there is radon in my water?
A certified water test from a state-approved lab is the only reliable way to detect radon in your well water.
Q: Does my air mitigation system also handle radon in water?
No. Air mitigation systems only address radon coming from the soil beneath your home. Waterborne radon must be treated separately with a dedicated system.
Q: Is it dangerous to bathe or shower in radon-contaminated water?
Yes, radon is released into the air when water is agitated or heated. Showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry can all contribute to inhalation exposure.
Q: How long does installation take?
Most systems are installed in one day. Our team works efficiently to minimize disruption.
Q: Is aeration better than carbon filters?
For moderate to high radon levels, aeration is far more effective and safer over time. Carbon filters can be used for low-level contamination but require frequent maintenance.
Take Control of Your Water Quality Today
If you rely on well water and live in New Hampshire, treating for radon is not something to put off. At Advanced Radon Mitigation & Water Treatment, we specialize in radon in well water treatment systems that offer whole-home protection and peace of mind.
Call us today at (603) 644-1207 or visit our website to learn more about protecting your family, your home, and your health. Clean water and safe air start with the right system and the right partner.