• Admin
• 23, 2021
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Radon in well water Testing

Radon in the well water? Yes it can be a source of radon in your home. Some good news is that there is no direct correlation between airborne radon levels and well water levels, so that means that just because you have elevated airborne readings, you won't necessarily have elevated waterborne levels. The USEPA recommends that well water be tested whenever a airborne radon test exceeds the limits, currently 4.0 as set by the USEPA.

Testing for waterborne radon is a very specific test and is not included in your typical water quality analysis. The sample must be drawn in a specific way or you risk losing radon and thus a lower then true reading and the sample gets sent to a completely different lab that the one where your water quality test is being sent. Even if the lab that you are using claims they do radon in water testing, they also send that sample to a certified radon testing lab. Beware of the instructions that water testing labs give, I have heard them tell clients to simply "fill a jar with water and bring it in". That couldn't be any more incorrect. I will be glad to email you the proper instructions on how to draw a radon in water test sample if you contact me. The following is the proper procedure for drawing a radon in water test sample.

STEP 1: PREPARE TO COLLECT YOUR SAMPLE

Radon in water testing is performed by collecting a sample of your water. The goal is to collect fresh, cold water straight from your water source or well.
If you have any faucet aerators, or filters, please bypass or remove these devices from the faucet you are going to use as they will remove radon from the water and skew your test result.
Allow the cold water to run for a minimum of 10 -15 min. until any holding tanks and pipes are cleared and fresh water straight from your source is running through.

STEP 2: COLLECT YOUR SAMPLE

You need to collect a sample of water in the vial with no air bubbles or headspace. The vial should be 100% filled with water.
To do this, remove any faucet aerator that may be installed and slowly fill a bowl or deep pan, insuring that no bubbles are created while filling the bowl, disturbing the water as little as possible.
Submerge the vial open side up until it has filled. The vial should not contain any preservatives or hazardous chemicals.
While still holding the vial underwater, submerge the cap and remove air from it by turning the cap upside down. Screw the cap on the vial while both are still submerged. This should eliminate any air bubbles.
Remove the vial from the water and check for air bubbles by flipping it upside down, if any air bubbles are seen, empty the vial and fill it again.

STEP 3: SHIP YOUR SAMPLE TO THE LAB

Complete all information on the enclosed test information sheet.
On a separate piece of paper that you will keep for your records, please record the test serial number, collection date, and date you shipped the sample to the lab.