The report summarizes previous research conducted by Lowry Engineering, Inc. (LEI), the Maine Department of Human Services, Division of Health Engineering, and the University of Maine, Department of civil Engineering, on the removal of Rn from drinking water supplies using granular activated carbon (GAC) in 121 point-of-entry (POE) applications. The primary focus of the work was an analysis of the existing treatment data collected over the past seven years at POE locations in 12 states. All but three systems treated private househuLd well supplies. In addition, two schools and one public water supply were included. In summary, the POE GAC treatment was very effective, with the exception of approximately 6 percent of the units that exhibited diminishing effectiveness over time. Ninety-four and 84 percent of all units exceeded 90 and 95 percent removal, respectively. The need for gamma shielding was evaluated and related to the raw water Rn level treated by the POE devices. While POE GAC installations were found to be effective, the use of GAC for Rn removal may be limited in the future to wells containing less than 5,000 to 10,000 pCi/L. This would result if the private residence desired to achieve the new MCL for Rn, which is expected to be set between 200 and 2,000 pCi/L.

Caption title. "November 1990." "EPA/600/2-90/049." Microfiche.

EPA/600/2-90/049.