What Is Radon in Water?
Radon is a naturally occurring element contained in underlying granite bedrock. The radioactive and carcinogenic gas gets into our water the same way it gets into the air. In water it can be described as tiny pockets of radon gas trapped in the water supply. When we agitate, heat or aerate domestic water, radon gas is released at an accelerated rate into the air.
How Radon Became So Deadly in Our Homes
Our modern way of living gives us many convenient devices to make our lives easier. Appliances and fixtures like the shower, faucet aerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, hot water heaters all assist water-borne radon to escape into the air that we breathe. Showers are of particular concern because the force of the water moving through the shower head aerates it into the air very efficiently. Then the shower enclosure helps to capture the radon gas. So the longer the shower, the higher the concentration of radon that you are both breathing and releasing into the home.
A silent killer.
Radon is known as the silent killer because we can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Many people refuse to believe it could be in their drinking water because it doesn’t affect the water in a noticeable way like other water problems do.
Radon Testing & Home Sales
In today’s real estate market buyers are increasingly savvy to water quality issues that may cost them additional money after purchase. Many lenders require water testing and mitigation of radon and other well water issues prior to a sale. This accounts for a large percentage of systems that we install. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, if you decide to test for radon in water, your water report is your private information and will be given out only with your permission.
How Do I Reduce it?
A Radon Aeration System is typically used to remove radon gas from water sources. Aeration can be accomplished via air pumps, well line venturi-mirconizer, or bubbling the water in an atmospheric chamber. At A-Z Water Systems, we offer all of these removal methods, but achieve the best results with the diffused bubble aeration process. We use the Bubble-Up® Radon System, which removes harmful radon as well as hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor in water) and carbon dioxide. Aeration is a process in which air and water are brought together through turbulence, and the process of aeration removes radon gases, reduces radon in water by 97 – 99%.
Radon Water levels can be reduced by up to 99% with the installation of a Bubble-Up® Radon water mitigation system. This system is approximately the size of a small washing machine that would be placed in the basement or utility room. This unit acts as a holding tank for the treated water, a blower creates bubbles in the water which breaks the Radon air free from the water and ventilates it using 2-inch PVC pipe located outside the home. Installation usually takes 4-6 hours.
Free Consultation
It is better to have your water testing done so that you know what you have. If there is an elevated level of radon in your water, take it seriously, be safe and get it corrected. This problem can be easily reduced. CONTACT US today for a free review of your water chemistry.