Arsenic in Drinking Water

Arsenic is considered a silent pollutant since there is generally NO smell or taste associated with its presence. Arsenic poisoning can easily go undetected because many of it's symptoms are also indicative of a number of other illnesses. Health effects from arsenic exposure include skin damage, circulatory system problems and an increased cancer risk, especially the skin, bladder and lungs. Early warning signs may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and numbness in extremities.

How Does Arsenic Get Into My Drinking Water?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element and is also currently used primarily in the production of pesticides and wood preservatives. In some areas, levels of arsenic are increasing in ground water because of seepage from hazardous waste sites.

Should I really be concerned with Arsenic in my drinking water?"

It is extremely rare for U.S. drinking water, including Well Water, to exceed the current US EPA fifty (50) micrograms per liter drinking water standard. However, some recent studies suggest an increased risk of long-term health effects from exposure to arsenic at levels as low as two (2) micrograms per liter. It is not unusual for well waters, especially in the Western US, to exceed this low level.

What is the US Government doing about Arsenic in drinking water?

In 1996, US Congress established certain requirements the EPA must meet in designating a new standard for arsenic. By January 1, 2000 the new water standard will be introduced, by January 1, 2001 the final arsenic rule will be in effect. The US EPA is currently reviewing its 50 micrograms per liter drinking water standard. Agency officials have indicated that the safety standard may be lowered to between 20 and two micrograms of arsenic per liter of water, therefore illustrating the need for both public and private water systems to take significant action to reduce arsenic from their drinking water.

How does my Municipality handle Arsenic in my drinking water?

Municipalities have the option to blend waters high in arsenic with low-arsenic water, or to oxidize the arsenic to 5 valence (arsenate) form, and then remove it with conventional alum or iron coagulation, or by the lime softening process. However, conventional municipal treatment methods may not be adequate if the acceptable level is lowered by the US EPA to two (2) micrograms per liter.

If Arsenic does not have a taste or odor.. how do I know if it is in my Well Water?

When using Well Water you have an important responsibility as a private well water system owner. Ongoing testing for arsenic, and other pollutants, is the #1 important strategy by the private water system owner to safeguard the health and well being of their family's water.

I have been told that a RO (Reverse Osmosis) system will remove Arsenic from my well water, is this true?

Arsenic exists in water as either arsenite (AsO2-) or arsenate (AsO4 ---). Reverse Osmosis is effective ONLY if arsenite is first oxidized (e.g. with chlorine) into arsenate.

What method should I use for my drinking water to remove Arsenic if I'm on Municipality Water?

If you are on Municipality water and have Chlorine in your water you can use an RO system or a Water Distiller.

What method should I use for my drinking water to remove Arsenic if I'm on Well Water?

If you are on Well Water you can use a Water Distiller. You should use a Sediment, Water Softener and Iron Removal media BEFORE the water goes to a Water Distiller.