What is arsenic?
Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally in rocks and soil and is used for a variety of purposes within industry and agriculture. Inorganic arsenic can be naturally present in ground water in countries such as Argentina, China, Mexico and the United States of America. States such as New Hampshire, Maine, Michigan, and regions in the Southwest and the Rockies usually see a higher level of arsenic in drinking water due to bedrocks.
Where and how does arsenic get into drinking water?
Arsenic can enter the water supply from natural deposits in the earth or from industrial and agricultural pollution. It is widely believed that naturally occurring arsenic dissolves out of certain rock formations when ground water levels drop significantly. Some industries in the United States release thousands of pounds of arsenic into the environment every year. Once released, arsenic remains in the environment for a long time. Arsenic is removed from the air by rain, snow, and gradual settling. Once on the ground or in surface water, arsenic can slowly enter ground water. High arsenic levels in private wells may come from certain arsenic containing fertilizers used in the past or industrial waste. It may also indicate improper well construction or overuse of chemical fertilizers or herbicides in the past.
How can I find out whether there is arsenic in my drinking water?
If you suspect a problem and your drinking water comes from a private well, you may contact your state certification officerExternal for a list of laboratories in your area that will perform tests on drinking water for a fee or you can order one of our tests shown here.
How do I remove arsenic from my drinking water?
Heating or boiling your water will not remove arsenic. Because some of the water evaporates during the boiling process, the arsenic concentrations can actually increase slightly as the water is boiled. Additionally, chlorine (bleach) disinfection will not remove arsenic.
You should consider one of the arsenic water treatment methods shown on this website such as reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, distillation, or ion exchange. We have arsenic water filters and arsenic water removal systems to treat water contaminated with arsenic at only one faucet as well as “Whole House” arsenic water removal solutions.
You’ve come to the right place!
Whatever your arsenic water problems are, Arsenic Water Solutions has the solution for you. Contact us today!