Radon in Pima County Water: Understanding Regional Levels from Aquifer N100BSNRGB

Pima County's groundwater from aquifer N100BSNRGB feeds many residential wells, with well depths in regional samples ranging from 300 to 800 feet. Water from this aquifer is naturally exposed over long periods to rock and soil, sometimes containing gases like radon-222, which can dissolve into groundwater before reaching household taps.

How will water treated by a specialized radon water filter differ at my tap?

Water treated by the C-Series Radon in Water Filter removes radon gas dissolved in the water, reducing levels as the water reaches your home point of use. This treated water avoids introducing radon gas that could otherwise escape indoors during water use, such as showering or washing. The filter operates so that the water’s physical feel, appearance, and other taste-related qualities remain unchanged aside from radon reduction.

What additional concerns do commercial or industrial operators have regarding radon that households might not?

Commercial and industrial water users often require compliance with stricter regulatory frameworks due to higher volumes or specific processes that might concentrate radon exposure. They may need more detailed radon monitoring frequency and water quality documentation beyond household considerations, and specialized filtration or degassing equipment sized for their usage. Households focus mainly on managing radon levels to reduce indoor air entry and potential health risks over typical domestic consumption volumes.

Why do aesthetic secondary standards for radon differ from health-based limits, and what does that mean?

Radon is a radioactive gas, so health-based limits target the potential risk of prolonged exposure through inhalation of radon released from water. However, some guidelines address aesthetic secondary standards, which concern taste, odor, or staining effects unrelated to health risk. Notably, the radon levels detected in Pima County’s aquifer samples do not exceed any federal health-based thresholds. The presence of radon does not mean water is unsafe but points to a constituent that may warrant treatment to reduce indoor air concerns.

What does a certified laboratory test for radon in water report, and how should I interpret it?

A certified laboratory test for radon in water measures the concentration of radon-222, typically reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). For the Pima County aquifer, six samples showed radon detected at concentrations from 175.0 to 1410.0 pCi/L with a median of 1100.0 pCi/L. These results reflect regional groundwater conditions, not specific household well water. A test for your own water supply is essential to establish your water’s radon level precisely, as individual wells may vary widely.

How does the C-Series Radon in Water Filter remove or neutralize radon?

The C-Series system reduces radon by facilitating the controlled release of radon gas from water before it is used in the home. It works through aeration or other gas-stripping technologies designed to lower dissolved radon concentrations effectively. This limits radon entering indoor air during typical household water uses where aeration might otherwise release radon gas, such as showering and cooking. The system ships ready to configure with existing water lines, providing an adaptable solution for radon treatment in residential water.

What should I not conclude from the radon data sampled across the Pima County aquifer?

The regional data from aquifer N100BSNRGB reflect radon measurements taken from six wells over several months in 2013, providing an overview of what radon concentrations can be in this part of Pima County. You should not conclude your own water’s radon concentration from these samples. Testing your household water is necessary to understand your specific exposure. Additionally, detection of radon in this range is not a violation of federal standards; it indicates the presence of radon gas at measurable but not necessarily unsafe levels. Radon content in individual wells can vary due to local geology and well construction, so personal water testing guides appropriate treatment decisions.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-09-04. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Radon-222 in the N100BSNRGB aquifer (Pima County): 6 results from 6 wells, median 1100.0 pCi/L, range 175.0-1410.0 pCi/L; none above any federal threshold