Most homeowners in Colorado Springs know that radon seeps up through the ground and into their homes through cracks in the foundation. But there’s another entry point that often gets overlooked – your water supply. If you rely on well water or a private groundwater source, radon in your water could be quietly contributing to the air quality problem inside your home.
What Is Radon in Water? How does radon get into water?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil and rock. Colorado’s geology is rich in uranium, which is why the state ranks among the highest in the nation for radon risk. When groundwater flows through uranium-rich rock and soil, it picks up radon gas along the way.
- Radon dissolved in water is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L)
- The EPA recommends taking action if radon in water exceeds 4,000 pCi/L
- Radon in water is primarily a concern with private wells and groundwater sources, not municipal water supplies (which are treated before distribution)
If your home draws water from a private well or a groundwater source, that radon-laden water travels directly into your home every time you turn on a faucet.
How Does Radon Get Into the Air From Water?
This is where waterborne radon becomes a direct air quality issue. When radon-contaminated water is agitated or heated, the dissolved gas is released into the air – a process called off-gassing.
This happens during everyday activities, including:
- Showering: Hot water and steam release large amounts of radon into a small, enclosed space
- Running the dishwasher: Heat and agitation release gas into the kitchen
- Washing laundry: Particularly with warm or hot water cycles
- Boiling water: Cooking with contaminated water can release radon into your kitchen air
- Running faucets: Even cold water releases some dissolved radon over time
The EPA estimates that radon in water accounts for approximately 1-2% of indoor radon levels on average, but in homes with high concentrations of radon in well water, that percentage can be significantly higher. Bathrooms and kitchens — especially poorly ventilated ones – are most at risk.
Is Drinking Water With Radon Dangerous?
Yes, though the greater risk comes from inhaling radon released from water rather than ingesting it.
- Inhalation risk: When radon off-gases from water into the air, it contributes to the overall radon concentration in your home. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers.
- Ingestion risk: Drinking radon-contaminated water has been linked to a small increased risk of stomach cancer, though the risk is considerably lower than the lung cancer risk from inhalation.
The bottom line: if radon is in your water, it’s in your air – and your family is breathing it every day.
How Do I Know If My Water Has Radon?
Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so you cannot detect it without proper testing. This is true whether it’s in your air or your water.
To test your water for radon:
- Contact a certified radon professional to collect and send a water sample to a certified lab
- Testing is the only reliable way to determine your radon-in-water levels
- If you’re already addressing elevated indoor radon levels, it’s worth testing your water as well to rule out a waterborne contribution
If you’re on a municipal water supply, radon in water is unlikely to be a significant concern. Municipal systems treat and aerate water before it reaches your home, which removes most dissolved radon.
Should I Test for Both Air and Water Radon?
Absolutely — especially if you have a private well. Addressing air radon without investigating your water supply means you may be leaving one source of contamination unresolved.
Consider testing both if:
- Your home uses well water or a private groundwater source
- You’ve already installed an air radon mitigation system but levels remain stubbornly elevated
- You’re purchasing or selling a home with a private well in Colorado Springs
Protect Your Family With a Comprehensive Radon Assessment
At Breathe Easy Radon Solutions, we’re committed to helping Colorado Springs families achieve the safest possible radon levels – and that means looking at the full picture. Our certified technicians can assess your home for both airborne and waterborne radon and recommend the most effective path forward.
We don’t consider the job done until your levels are at their lowest. That’s our guarantee.
Ready to find out if your water is contributing to your rad