Random Tests Show More Radon Than Uranium In Water

By Steve Bigham

Approximately 50 Newtown wells were tested at random two months ago following fears that the town might be suffering from a uranium epidemic in its drinking water.

Early results, however, indicate that uranium levels are on the low side. What was found to be high in many cases were radon levels, and last week several of those who volunteered for the tests were notified.

But this week, health officials downplayed the high figures, pointing out that high radon levels in water are far less harmful than high radon levels in the air. Radon in water can be released into the air through domestic uses like taking a shower. In letters to those homes with high radon levels, the town’s health district suggested that the homeowners have radon in air tests done.

According to Health Director Mark Cooper, who reported his finding to the Health District Board Tuesday morning, the state does not have a standard for the amount of radon in water. It is recommending that households with drinking water containing more than 5,000 pico curies per liter of radon also be tested for radon in air. The amount of radon in the wells tested earlier this year ranged from 390 pico curies per liter to 41,000 pcl.

All results are passed on to the state, which, according to Mr Cooper, has not been surprised by the high results. Connecticut, he said, is known for having radon in water. State officials do not consider Newtown to be a “hot spot.”

This week, health official Donna McCarthy said she was still waiting for about half the results to return from a state lab. The individual results are confidential and reported only to each homeowner.

The uranium-radon tests were conducted in five bedrock areas around town with 10 homes randomly checked in each. Health officials also checked for traces of radium, arsenic, and gross alpha (radioactive decay). The testing was done in conjunction with the state’s Department of Public Health and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The decision to go forward with the tests came about after a handful of local wells were found to have traces of uranium that exceeded state guidelines. In one high-profile case, at the home of Ed and Tammy Marks, uranium levels were particularly high. The Marks’ case became headline news across the state and some wondered if Newtown had suddenly become a dangerous place to live. Then in January Middle Gate School parents were notified that the school’s uranium test results showed an elevated level of 211 pico curies per liter (pCi/L) of water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline for allowable amounts of uranium in drinking water is 15 pCi/L.

Uranium is a non-regulated, naturally occurring metal that is found just about everywhere in nature, including high concentrations in both potatoes and bananas. Natural uranium does have low levels of radioactivity, but there is no reported evidence to suggest that it is dangerous to human health.