In North Jersey, naturally occurring radioactive substances like uranium may be found in groundwater. Elevated levels can pose health risks, including kidney damage and increased cancer risk. This guide provides information for homeowners with private wells on testing and reducing exposure. 

Affected Areas 

• The Highlands Province, covering parts of Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, and Somerset counties, is most at risk for high uranium levels. 

Health Risks 

• Uranium can impact kidney function and contribute to cancer risk. 

• The EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for uranium is 30 micrograms per liter (ug/L). 

Testing 

Contact a DEP-certified lab or local health officer for testing. 

Testing Procedures 

• Start with a gross alpha test to check for radioactivity. 

• If levels exceed 15 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), further testing for uranium, radium, and radon is needed. 

• Costs: Gross alpha ($75-$150), Uranium ($200), Radon ($60-$125). 

Who Should Test? 

• Private well owners in affected areas should test their water.
  Public water systems are already monitored for safety. 

Reducing Radioactivity 

• Options include connecting to a municipal water system or installing treatment systems like reverse osmosis or water softeners. 
• Radon removal may need aeration or carbon systems.
  

For more information, see DEP’s general private well testing

Currently, there are no regulatory drinking water standards enforced for radon in drinking water. However, standards have been proposed by both Federal and State agencies. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a recommended level of 4,000 pCi/L for radon in water. The DEP’s radon in water recommended action level is set at 800 pCi/L. This lower number reflects the DEPs effort to reduce radon health risks while recognizing that the greatest danger from radon comes from what escapes into indoor air. At 800 pCi/L, the estimated additional fatal lifetime cancer risk is about 5 in 10,000, which is considered an increase compared to overall cancer fatality rates.

Homeowners should understand that testing and mitigation for radon in water are completely voluntary. There are no legal requirements to test or reduce radon in water in private wells, though residents with private wells in radon-prone areas may choose to do so for peace of mind.

For additional guidance on radioactivity in drinking water, the DEP issued “A North Jersey Homeowner’s Guide to Radioactivity in Drinking Water: Uranium” that addresses radon in water.  This document provides information on risks, testing, and mitigation for radioactivity in private wells.