In addition to inspection services, Criterium-Dudka Engineers provides radon testing and full-service environmental testing throughout Vermont and Eastern Massachusetts. This is an independent service using certified laboratories and products chosen according to credentials, reliability, and timeliness.
Our services include:
- Total Coliform Bacteria Water Test
- HUD Scan Water Test
- Recreational Water/E. coli Test (seasonal-June 1-Sept 1 only)
- Inorganic Chemicals plus Total Coliform Bacteria Water Analysis (recommended)
- Combined Inorganic Chemicals before Water Treatment Equipment Water Test
- Volatile Organic Chemicals Water Test
- Synthetic Organic Chemicals Water Test
- First Draw and Flush Lead and Copper Water Test
- Electronic Continuous Monitor Radon in Air Test
- Radon in Water Test
- Gross Alpha Water Test
- Radium 226 and 228
- Uranium
Radon in Air Testing
Radon-Air Testing is recommended every 1 to 3 years.
- The EPA, the Surgeon General, and the American Lung Association recommend that all homes below the 3rd level be tested for radon gas since long-term exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
- The average outside radon in air level is 0.4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and the average indoor level is 1.3 pCi/L.
- In a Vermont residence there is a 1 in 8, chance that the radon in air level is at or above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. In New Hampshire there is a 30%, or approximately 1 in 3, chance of having an elevated level in the home.
- The average mitigation cost to reduce radon in air levels is between $800 – $2,500.
- Radon in air levels constantly fluctuate. It is prudent to follow-up a screening test with a year-long alpha track test (the most accurate radon test to obtain a yearly average).
Radon in Water Testing
Why should I test for Radon in my water:
- Radon in water contributes to the radon in air level.
- For every 10,000 pCi/L of radon in the water supply, the radon in air concentration is increased by 1 pCi/L.
- Long-term ingestion of elevated levels of radon in water can cause cancer in the stomach and other internal organs.
- The EPA proposed action level for private water supplies is 4,000 pCi/L (which the Vermont Department of Health defers to).
- The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has established 10,000 pCi/L as the action level for private water supplies.
- Mitigation costs to reduce radon in water can run in excess of $5,000.
Coliform Bacteria Test
It is recommended to perform a Coliform Bacteria Test annually. The Coliform Bacteria Test tests the integrity of the well and the possible presence of disease-causing organisms. The presence of coliform bacteria could indicate the infiltration of groundwater and, thus, disease-causing organisms. If present, the water is considered unsafe to drink until corrective measures are taken.
Combined Inorganic Chemicals Water Test
This test is recommended every 3 to 5 years, and Criterium-Dudka Engineers is here to help.
The Combined Inorganic Chemicals Test includes primary (health-related) and secondary (aesthetic) standards. Secondary standards determine if a water treatment system is needed or is functioning. The Combined Inorganic Chemicals Test includes 4 primary standards: lead, arsenic, nitrates, and nitrites. Lead and arsenic can occur naturally. Arsenic was used in embalming and as a pesticide in apple orchards. High nitrate or nitrite levels can indicate pesticides or a failed septic system.
Gross Alpha Water Test
It is recommended to perform the Gross Alpha Water Test every 5 years.
The Vermont Department of Health, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, and the EPA recommend conducting a Gross Alpha Test on private wells.
- Gross Alpha is an initial screening test for radioactive particles, which can occur naturally, such as radium and uranium minus radon.
- Long term exposure to radium can increase one’s risk of bone cancer and long term exposure to uranium can increase ones risk of kidney damage.
- If the Gross Alpha test result is 5.0 pCi/L or higher further testing is recommended to identify the specific elements.
Test kits and other resources:
- Vermont Department of Health: http://www.healthvermont.gov/lab/drinking-water
- Vermont Department of Health List of Certified Laboratories: http://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/PHL_ListofCertifiedLaboratoryDW08022017.pdf
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services: http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/lsu/documents/water_testing.pdf
- New Hampshire Accredited Drinking Water Labs:
- http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/documents/accredited-labs-esamples.pdf
- http://www2.des.nh.gov/CertifiedLabs/Certified-Method.aspx
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: http://water.epa.gov/drink/index.cfm
Additional information about environmental testing
- EPA drinking water: www.epa.gov/safewater/
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services drinking water: https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/well_testing/index.htm
- Vermont Department of Health drinking water: http://www.healthvermont.gov/lab/drinking-water
- EPA radon information: http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html
- AARST-NRPP-Radon professionals and resources: http://aarst-nrpp.com/wp/
- EPA radon in water information: https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/index-9.html
State & Federal Recommendations for Private Wells
Important Consideration: In addition to health risks, there is a possible financial liability at the time of resale if elevated levels have not been detected and lowered.
For more information about Radon-Air Testing or to schedule a test with us, call us at 844-885-0153 or request an inspection online.