Radon in water comes from the same source as airborne radon, the soil or bedrock. The major concern with radon and water is that it is dispersed into the air by showering, washing machines and, to a lesser extent, all other uses of water, thus releasing some radon into the home.
Measured water levels will have to be higher than 40,000pCi/L, to produce air readings above 4pCi/L in the air. 4pCi/L is the EPA's action level. So 1pCi/L is produced for every 10,000pCi/L in water.
Yes, it is possible that stomach cancers are produced by ingesting water that contains high levels of radon.
If you have a private well or have water provided by a community well you might consider testing. If the water supply is from surface water, it's unlikely that you'll have high levels in the water.
Start by contacting your water department to learn if they have tested. Testing water for radon is inexpensive and simple to do. Water in radon test kits can be found here...
If you haven't tested your home for radon gas that emanates into the home from the soil below, you should start by testing the air first. High levels of radon in water are quite rare; whereas, radon in your indoor air is much more probable.
The state of Maine has set a threshold of 4000pCi/L as the level in which you should consider fixing a high water level. This level has been adopted in a few other places also, but you may want ask your local health department for their input.
A couple of systems are available to fix a high level. Activated charcoal can be used to filter the radon out of the water. Charcoal systems cost approximately $1,000 - $1,500. The one draw back about these systems is that the charcoal must be changed regularly.
An aeration system will cost approximately $3,000 - $4,000. These units aerate the water and vent the radon above the roof of the home. A much better way to go, but obviously a little more pricey.
Please start by testing the air in your home first. If a radon mitigation system fails to bring your levels down to acceptable levels you may want to test for radon in water also.
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