A Homeowner's Guide to Radioactivity in Drinking Water: Factsheet

Radioactive substances are those that are unstable in nature. Radioactive types of uranium, thorium, and radium undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation. Long-term exposure to these substances may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Public water sources are tested for radioactivity, and there are new requirements being put into effect, requiring private well owners to test their water. This pamphlet explains the risks of radioactivity, procedures for testing private well water, and the basics of the Private Well Testing Act (PWTA)