Problem Water Infographic: Arsenic

Arsenic is sneaky. You can’t see it. You can’t taste it. But if high levels of arsenic reside in your water, it may cause both short and long term detrimental health effects to you and your family (1).

Arsenic is a naturally occurring semi-metal element found in rocks, soil, water, plants, and even animals (2). It is more prevalent in ground water sources like wells rather than lakes and rivers (2). What compounds the levels of arsenic in ground water are things like industrial, manufacturing, and agricultural runoff (2). Industrial gases, paints, insecticides and herbicides, and burned fossil fuels can all increase the level of arsenic in the well water that comes out of your kitchen and bathroom faucet (3). But you wouldn’t know it because, well, arsenic is sneaky.

It’s estimated that 15% of American households rely on privately owned water sources like wells, cisterns, and springs, and most household wells are located in rural communities. Private wells are not governed by federal water safety regulations, and some are rarely monitored by state agencies either. This means the well owner—perhaps that’s you—is ultimately responsible for the water. And wouldn’t you want to know what potentially harmful elements are in the water your family relies on?

The best defense against exposing yourself and your family to water containing high levels of arsenic is to have your water tested by a professional. Your area Culligan Man will be familiar with the water conditions where you live and will be able to test the water coming into your house for arsenic and other contaminants. Based on the status of your water, your Culligan Man can suggest the most appropriate solution to keep your tap water clean and free from hazardous sneaky elements like arsenic.

View the *Arsenic and other impurities are not necessarily in your water.

Sources:

http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/index.cfm
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/arsenic/Basic-Information.cfm
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/arsenic/docs/arsenic.pdf