14% of Private Use Groundwater Exceeds Radon Standard Levels

Some privately owned wells used for drinking groundwater have been found to exceed the standard levels for uranium and radon.

According to the Ministry of Environment and the National Institute of Environmental Research on the 25th, a survey of natural radioactive substances in 4,415 private groundwater wells last year revealed that uranium was detected above the "drinking water quality standard" (30㎍ per liter) in 64 wells (1.4%). Additionally, radon exceeded the drinking water monitoring standard (148 Bq per liter) in 614 wells (13.9%). Wells are a type of hydraulic facility used to access groundwater.

Although levels above the standard do not immediately affect health, long-term consumption may pose problems, so caution is advised. The Ministry of Environment stated, "Uranium is a mineral distributed in rocks and soil, and radon is a radioactive gas widely present in nature," adding, "In South Korea, where more than 70% of the geology consists of granite and metamorphic rocks, concentrations of these two substances can be high."

Uranium can be removed through water purification methods such as reverse osmosis. Measures for radon vary depending on its concentration. For wells with radon levels above 600 Bq, it is recommended to develop alternative water sources; if that is not possible, install and operate reduction facilities (aeration) before use.

The Ministry of Environment and the National Institute of Environmental Research have notified owners of wells where uranium and radon exceeded standards of the survey results. They have also requested local governments to prepare regional management plans, such as expanding municipal water supply or small-scale water facilities. Support for water purifiers and radon reduction devices is also provided.

Research by the Environmental Institute shows that radon can be reduced by 86% through aeration devices, and uranium can be reduced by more than 97% using reverse osmosis water purification systems.

Kim Go-eung, Director of the Water Integration Policy Division at the Ministry of Environment, said, "Most residents in areas without municipal water supply use private wells for drinking water," and added, "We will continue to implement safety measures so that vulnerable groups in water supply can drink groundwater with confidence."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.