How does radium get into the water?
Aquifers are like giant sponges hundreds of feet below the Earth, and some contain water that has been retained for millions of years.
There are two types of aquifers to consider: confined and unconfined. An unconfined aquifer is the most common source of groundwater because it is easily accessible and quickly replenishable, sitting just below the Earth’s surface.
A confined aquifer can be multiple layers of rock and dirt below the surface, impermeable to everything above ground. These aquifers, sometimes called deep bedrock aquifers, can contain large bodies of slowly replenished, highly compressed groundwater.
How do I know if there is radium in my water?
Radium, like many contaminants, is undetectable to human senses, so only a professional water test can confirm the presence of radium in water.
Culligan offers many different levels of water testing, and the test for radium typically comes at an additional cost, so ask your local dealer for more information.
You can further estimate your risk by understanding your water supply.
If you’re getting public water from a city with a deep municipal well, then you could be exposed to radium.