| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Mitigation systems average $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Time | Test well water every 3 years |
| Who's qualified | Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller for well work; verify radon pros at radon.ky.gov |
Winchester, KY: what's different here
Winchester sits about 19 miles from Lexington, roughly a 30-minute drive via the main highway. Kentucky is in EPA Radon Zone 2, with a predicted average indoor screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L, and the state's median indoor radon level is about 3.5 pCi/L. Homes in Winchester that rely on private wells face radon in well water risks that community water customers largely avoid.
How does radon get into well water in Winchester?
Radon, radium, and uranium are naturally occurring contaminants that can dissolve in water and accumulate in wells, according to the EPA. Radium breaks down further to form radon. Radon can be present in a home's water supply when the source is underground, such as a private well.
Who is responsible for testing well water?
Well owners are responsible for making sure their drinking water is safe, because private wells are usually not routinely regulated or inspected for radionuclides. The EPA says well water should be tested every 3 years. About 95% of Kentuckians use community water systems instead of wells, so well owners handle testing themselves.
What treatment removes radon from well water?
The EPA says two treatment approaches that work well for radionuclides in water are ion exchange and reverse osmosis. If radionuclide levels are above EPA limits, a treatment system should be installed. Ask the pro which option fits your water test results.
Who can work on a well or radon system in Kentucky?
Kentucky says all work performed on a well must be performed by a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller. Kentucky law defines radon measurement as testing air, water, or soil with an approved device. The state requires contractors performing radon-related services to be licensed.
What to do next
- {'step': "Test your well water for radionuclides if it hasn't been tested in the last 3 years."}.
- {'step': "Verify any radon pro's certification through the Kentucky state radon office at radon.ky.gov or 502-782-2782."}.
- {'step': 'Confirm well work will be done by a Kentucky Certified Water Well Driller.'}.
- {'step': 'Get a written quote covering treatment type (ion exchange or reverse osmosis) and any fan energy costs, which can add $30 to $300 per year.'}.
- Call (859) 249-8571 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a Kentucky-certified (NRPP/NRSB) radon mitigation contractor.
Lexington Radon Pros is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
