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Radionuclides: Water Quality Testing

For questions about Water Quality,
call (608)266-4654,
email: water@cityofmadison.com

EPA SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE
1-800-426-4791,
Web: epa.gov/safewater

For information about radon, call the EPA Radon Hotline
1- 800-SOS-RADON

 
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Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. It is usually associated with indoor air quality when it moves from the ground into a building through cracks and holes in a foundation. It can also be present in ground water. Water use, such as taking showers or dishwashing, may add to the amount of radon in the air. Compared to radon entering the home through soil, radon from tap water will typically be a minor source of radon in indoor air. The EPA and Wisconsin DNR recommend testing your home for radon. For information about radon, call the EPA Radon Hotline at 1- 800-SOS-RADON. Radionuclides are man-made or natural elements that emit radiation. A picocurie per liter (pCi/L) is a unit of radioactivity. A curie is the amount of radioactivity in a gram of radium. A picocurie is one trillionth of a curie.