Is your tap water as safe as it appears? Many hard-to-detect contaminants can infiltrate your water supply. One of the most concerning is radon, an invisible, colorless, and odorless gas that can have serious health effects.
But don’t worry! There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce radon in your water. Here’s everything you need to know about this potential contaminant and how to keep your entire household safer with clean, delicious H2O.
What Is Radon?
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It comes from radium, a byproduct of uranium decay in soil and rocks. In its natural state, radon is not usually harmful — it’s only when radon enters your home through the air or water supply that it can cause potential health risks. Drinking, cleaning, or bathing with radon-contaminated water can expose you to dangerous levels of this hazardous gas.
How Does Radon Get into Your Water Supply?
The radon that infiltrates your water supply typically does so through groundwater sources like wells or springs, as radon gas can easily seep into porous rock underground. When radon enters your water supply via pipe systems (which is rarer), this problem worsens quickly depending on what kind of pipes are used. Older pipes such as lead, galvanized steel, and plastic have been linked to radon concentrations significantly higher than radon in the water source itself.
Dangers of Radon in Your Water
Radon can be quite dangerous when it infiltrates your water supply due to its radioactive properties. In addition to increasing the risks of various types of cancer, radon has also been found to cause fertility abnormalities and other health problems in humans. For instance, the hazards of radon can include:
- Lung cancer
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Infertility
- Nervous system damage
The Importance of Radon Water Testing and Treatment
Given the dangers of radon in your drinking water, regular radon testing is highly recommended for homeowners with wells or springs as their primary water source. If radon levels exceed the EPA-recommended maximum of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/l), it’s then time to take action.
When radon is found in your water, you should consider investing in a radon removal device. These systems usually involve an aeration process that takes radon gas out of the water and releases it into the atmosphere instead. This process can be done onsite at home or through a professional radon abatement service.
Even once you’ve set up a removal device or found a water treatment partner, it’s also important to test your water regularly afterward to make sure radon levels remain low.
Does Your Water Contain Other Contaminants?
Unfortunately, radon isn’t the only potential contaminant in your water supply. Impurities can sneak into your water supply due to a variety of causes, such as agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and faulty plumbing. These contaminants may include:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Lead and other heavy metals
- Chemicals like chlorine and PFAS
To make sure that your water is not only free from radon but also other contaminants, you should get an in-depth water test done. This will help you determine the composition of your water, as well as what type of treatment is necessary to eliminate impurities from your supply.
How Whole-Home Water Filtration Can Help
If radon levels are low but you’re still concerned about potential contaminants in your water, a whole-home water filtration system may be the solution. These systems can remove impurities from your water supply without having to add any chemicals or disrupt your plumbing.
The Benefits of Whole-Home Filtration
- Improved taste and odor for all water sources in your home
- Ability to filter out sediment, bacteria, and other contaminants
- Reduced risk of corrosion or scale buildup in your pipes
- Increased lifespan of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers
- Clean tap water that’s gentler on your skin and hair
Whole-home water filtration systems can provide peace of mind that contaminants aren’t getting into your water supply. Plus, these systems are typically low maintenance and don’t require too much work to set up.
How to Find the Right Home Water Filtration System for You
Finding the right home water filtration system for you can be tricky. There are a lot of different types available and it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
First, make sure to check the water quality in your area, as this will help you determine which type of system is best suited for your needs. Once you’ve done that, consider the following factors:
- Cost and installation requirements
- Maintenance and filter life
- Size of the filtration system
- What contaminants it can remove
- The warranty associated with the system
If this sounds daunting, don’t worry — professional water specialists can help you weigh the pros and cons to find the perfect system for your home. Our team at The Science of Water even provides free water testing to ensure that everyone has the chance to prioritize water safety for their family.
Protect Your H2O with The Science of Water
At The Science of Water, we assess and install water filtration systems to meet your unique needs. Using filtration technology backed by NASA and the EPA, our advanced water systems purify your water supply to the highest standard. Whatever you’re looking for in a water filtration system, we can help you enjoy tap water in your home that’s clear of contaminants and safe to drink.
To promote our mission of safe water for all, The Science of Water also offers free water quality testing and consultations. When you need answers about the safety of your local water supply, our technicians can assess your situation for waterborne threats and recommend the perfect filtration system to suit your needs and budget.
Don’t settle for questionable tap water that may be hiding invisible contaminants that put your health at risk. Get your water tested today to protect your household with pure, clean water that can be relied on. For more information about The Science of Water or to book your free water test, just get in touch with our team today!