WATER CONTAMINATION

ARSENIC CONTAMINATION & TREATMENT

Eliminating Dangerous Arsenic From Well Water

Bedrock wells in New Hampshire have about a one in five chance of containing at least a small amount of naturally occurring arsenic. Wells within a short distance apart – as little as 50 feet – can have different water quality because of the state’s highly fractured bedrock, so testing of individual wells is recommended to determine specific arsenic levels.

 

In 2001, the EPA announced it had a set a new goal of zero arsenic in U.S. drinking water. It also set an arsenic level limit of 10 parts per million based on research showing negative health effects from long-term exposure. Studies have shown that repeatedly drinking water with arsenic during a person’s lifetime can lead to cancer and other chronic ailments, such as cardiovascular or neurological disorders.

 

TESTING FOR ARSENIC

Skillings & Sons, LLC offers a range of water quality tests, including those for arsenic. It is recommended property owners test for arsenic and other harmful contaminants, such as lead and radon, every three years. If any arsenic is found, a second test is recommended to confirm the results.

 

WATER TREATMENT OF ARSENIC

Before determining the kind of water treatment you’d like to use to reduce the arsenic from your drinking water, testing must first be done to determine the type of arsenic in your water. These different types do require different treatment approaches, which our Skillings technicians can discuss with you.

 

Next you must determine if you want to treat the water as it comes into your home or at the point of use. Treating water at the point of entry is often used when other minerals or contaminants are in the water, such as iron, manganese, bacteria or radon.

 

Installing filters on faucets at the kitchen sink or other places you draw drinking water is called a point-of-use treatment. These filters should be installed wherever water is taken for drinking, cooking or making ice. If there are no other contaminants in your water, this method is a simple and cost effective way to reduce arsenic.

 

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND WATER TESTING

To make sure your water treatment system is working effectively, continual maintenance and testing is recommended. In the first year after installation, quarterly testing is recommended. In later years, semi-annual testing will ensure arsenic levels are below dangerous levels.


Skillings & Sons, LLC can discuss which tests you should consider and, if necessary, help you decide which filter system is right for your home.


CONTACT US

9 Columbia Drive

Amherst, NH 03031