Radon in well water swallowing it is not the main path
The main source of indoor radon is the soil under the slab. Water comes far behind, except in some homes on a private well. Health Canada treats the risk of swallowing radon in water as negligible: the gas escapes at the tap. It can, though, raise the air in the kitchen and the shower.
The Canadian recommendation on radiological water parameters: if the air is already above 200 Bq/m³ as an annual average, look for the source, including the water. If the water is above 2,000 Bq/L, reduce the radon it releases into the air. Treated municipal water is generally very low. A low air test does not justify a water test “just in case.”
The order of the work
Measure the air first. If the air is high and the house is on a well, measure the water. Aerating the water is the treatment most often used to remove radon before the water enters the house. It is not a pitcher filter. Where the gas comes from.
Reference points: Health Canada, what you need to know about radon and the 200 Bq/m³ guideline. The two-year timeline between 200 and 600, and one year above 600, comes from Health Canada’s guide for radon measurements in homes.
The 4-day test gives a first reading. The 91-day test covers the three-month minimum Health Canada asks for. Both are $59 before tax: shipping, return and the laboratory are included, taxes extra. The PDF report is sent within 2 business days after the laboratory receives the detector.
Above 200 Bq/m³, mitigation is confirmed with a quote. Gaz Radon is C-NRPP certified for measurement and mitigation.
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