ResourcesGlossary: radon in water
Aeration
Short answer
Aeration is a treatment for radon in well water that uses air to take the radon out of the water as it enters the home, then vents the radon outdoors. EPA puts its typical reduction at 95 to 99 percent.
What aeration means
Vermont's health department describes it in a line: an aeration system uses a fan to reduce radon in water. EPA says aeration is generally more efficient than granular activated carbon, requires annual cleaning to maintain effectiveness and to prevent contamination, and requires venting radon to the outdoors.
It is a point-of-entry treatment. EPA says point-of-entry treatment for the whole home can effectively remove radon from the water before it enters the home's water distribution system.
Aeration and carbon on water at 5,000 pCi/L
EPA gives each treatment a typical reduction. Each row applies both ends of the range to well water that tests at 5,000
| Treatment | EPA's typical reduction | 5,000 pCi/L becomes, pCi/L in water |
|---|---|---|
| Aeration | 95 to 99 percent | 250 to 50 |
| Granular activated carbon | 85 to 95 percent | 750 to 250 |
What it means for your home
Test the air first. EPA says that although radon gets into some homes through water, it is important to first test the air in the home for radon.
The reason is where the risk lies. EPA says most of your risk from radon in water comes from radon released into the air when water is used for showering and other household purposes.
Where to go next
- Radon in water treatment costs. What aeration and carbon systems cost to buy and to keep running.
- Treating radon in well water. Aeration and carbon compared, and how to choose.