Radon in Water: Understanding Sources, Exposure Pathways, Testing, and Mitigation

Radon is most often discussed as an indoor air issue — but what about radon in water?

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, we explore a lesser-known yet important pathway of exposure: radon in well water. For homes that rely on private wells, radon in water can contribute to indoor air levels and raise important questions about testing, health risks, and mitigation.

Host Diane Swecker is joined by Dr. Uttam Saha and Dr. Michael Kitto, two leading experts whose research and standards work have helped shape our understanding of radon in both air and water.

Together, they break down:

•  How radon enters groundwater and why levels can vary dramatically—even between neighboring homes 
•  The key differences between radon in air and radon in water 
•  How everyday activities like showering and laundering can release radon into indoor air 
•  The real health considerations, including inhalation vs. ingestion pathways 
•  When and how homeowners should test well water for radon 
•  What to look for in a qualified testing professional or laboratory 
•  Current guidelines, regulatory challenges, and how standards are evolving 
•  Mitigation options, including aeration and granular activated carbon systems 
•  A practical field question: should you test water and air at the same time? 

This episode highlights an important reality: radon in water is highly variable, often overlooked, and must be tested to be understood.

🎓 Continuing Education Credit

This episode is approved for 1 NRPP continuing education credit for IEA members.

To claim your credit:
 Log in to your Indoor Environments account → Navigate to CE Courses → Select IEA-402.

📍 Join Us at the IEA Symposium

Want to go deeper?

Join professionals from across the country at the Indoor Environments Association Symposium in Norfolk, VA (October 4–7, 2026).

•  Early Bird (by June 30): $645 for members | $800 for non-members
•  After June 30: $745 for members | $900 for non-members
•  Student Rate: $450 (with valid student ID) 

🔍 Key Takeaway

Radon doesn’t just come from the ground beneath your home — it can also come from the water you use every day. Understanding both pathways is essential for making informed decisions about testing and mitigation.

🎙️ About the Podcast

The Indoor Environments Project is the official podcast of the Indoor Environments Association, bringing together experts, practitioners, and researchers to explore the science and standards shaping indoor environmental health.