A FURTHER bid for government funding will be made to allow radon testing of another 100 private water supplies in West Devon properties.
Money will also be earmarked by West Devon Borough Council to help low-income families worried their water may be dangerous to health.
The decision comes after a ground-breaking investigation into the levels of radon in private water sources carried out by the authority in conjunction with other agencies and announced last month.
Radon has been linked to lung cancer research in studies around the world. The survey established for the first time that radon remained in drinking water after being drawn from the tap.
Nick Payne, head of environmental services, said it was 'very disappointing' that the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions had turned down the original funding bid, despite there being 'clear public concern' about the issue.
At this week's meeting of the council's environment committee, Cllr Pat Warne proposed £2,000 should be set aside, enabling families on income support and with private water supplies to have their water tested.
The committee agreed a letter should be sent to the DETR requesting funds for further radon testing in West Devon, one of the most heavily affected areas in the country.
Public water supplied by South West Water is not affected by radon, an inert gas found in the earth.
More information can be obtained by calling the environmental health department at West Devon Borough Council, on 01822 813600.