Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that is tasteless and odorless, it is formed when the radioactive element radium decomposes.
How do I know I have radon in my water?
Because radon is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, the only way to know if your water contains radon is to have it professionally tested with a radon water analysis.
Radon is most commonly found in water drawn from deep drilled wells that tap into bedrock. If you have a deep drilled well — particularly in a radon-prone area — you should arrange a radon water test as soon as possible.
What level is acceptable?
Acceptable radon levels in drinking water vary by country and regulatory body. In Sweden, the National Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) sets the limit at 1,000 Bq/l, above which water is considered unsafe to drink. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a guideline value of 100 Bq/l. Always check the current regulations applicable in your country, as limits are subject to change. 1000 Bq/l.
Is it dangerous to drink water with radon in it?
Do not drink water with radon in it!
You should NOT drink water that contains radon, and you should not use it to wash vegetables or prepare food. Beyond ingestion, the greatest health risk comes from inhaling radon gas released into indoor air — for example, when you shower, run a bath, or turn on a tap. Radon is a radioactive gas and a known carcinogen; prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Radon from water, together with radon from soil and building materials, can give high concentrations in the residential air. In a property, the content can be reduced by aeration in radon separators or by other methods. To avoid increases in radon levels indoors, exhaust gas must be diverted away from the home.
Do Bluewater machines remove radon?
Bluewater purifiers significantly reduce radon levels in water, but cannot eliminate radon entirely on their own. Because radon is a dissolved gas, it is not fully captured by reverse osmosis alone — a dedicated aeration device is required for complete removal. On average, Bluewater purifiers reduce radon concentrations in water by approximately 60%. For a comprehensive radon removal solution, contact Bluewater to discuss pairing a purifier with an appropriate aeration system.