Radon in Drinking Water on Chicago’s North Shore

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose health risks when it accumulates indoors. While radon is widely discussed as an air-quality issue, it can also be present in drinking water. In the Chicago area—especially the North Shore, where homeowners often rely on groundwater—residents may wonder whether radon in water is a meaningful risk and what practical steps can address it.

Health authorities generally emphasize that radon in water is most concerning because it can escape from water into indoor air during everyday activities such as showering, washing dishes, or running hot water. Over time, inhaled radon decay products can increase the likelihood of lung cancer.