Arsenic in Water: A Guide to Causes, Concerns and Solutions

Whether you rely on municipal water or well water, you may be curious about what exactly is in your water. From the growing awareness about PFAS to concerns about arsenic in water, staying informed about your water helps you make the best choices for your household when it comes to ensuring water quality and safety. With regard to the presence of arsenic in water, homeowners may have the following questions

• What causes the presence of arsenic in water?
• Why should I be concerned about arsenic in drinking water and arsenic exposure in general?
• How can you determine if arsenic is in your water and what can be done to address it?

Below, find out more about arsenic in water, including the causes, potential concerns, and arsenic treatment solutions for your water supply.

Causes of Arsenic in Water

As explained in detail by the U.S. Geological Survey, arsenic can make its way into water naturally when water encounters soil or rocks or as the result of human activities and industrial uses. People can also be exposed to arsenic through food consumption, if they live near industrial or agricultural properties, or due to older pressure-treated wood, as explained at the American Cancer Society. While public drinking water is required to be tested for arsenic and meet the designated safety standard per the EPA, homeowners are responsible for the water testing of a privately-owned well and treatment of arsenic in well water (or any other contaminant) if found.

Concerns about Arsenic in Drinking Water

Determining if there is arsenic in water can only be done through water testing. While sediment in a glass of water may be visible to the eye and your nose or tastebuds may be able to distinguish the presence of sulfur, arsenic is a more invisible threat and one associated with many severe health risks. As shared by the Cleveland Clinic, high levels of arsenic in water symptoms, as well as potential health ramifications linked to long-term arsenic exposure, are listed below:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Sore throat or other respiratory issues
• Abdominal or chest pain, as well as muscle cramping or numbness and tingling in the arms and legs
• Skin changes, such as changes in color or the appearance of lesions
• Liver and heart disease
• Digestive and nervous system issues
• Multiple types of cancer, such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, skin cancer and liver cancer

Assessment of and Solutions for Arsenic in Water

From food preparation to drinking water, these daily water needs pose potential risks to your health if arsenic is present in excess of the established level for safe use (less than .01 mg/L). With routine water testing and professional solutions for your water, you can address arsenic in well water and any other problematic contaminants that may be found in any home water supply. Here’s how your local water expert, such as the Aqua Pump Company, can help:

• Perform water testing. In addition to the presence of arsenic, professional water testing can determine if there are any other potential issues with your water, such as hard water or soft water, low or high pH, iron, manganese, uranium, or radon. At the Aqua Pump Company, we offer water testing for common contaminants like the ones listed here as well as specialized PFAS testing.
• Use information about your water supply gained from testing to customize solutions for your home and preferences. Our team at the Aqua Pump Company can determine if there is arsenic in your well water or other water quality concerns based on the results of your water test. We can also provide and maintain the necessary solutions for your home. If there is arsenic in your water, then a whole house water filtration system or a reverse osmosis system may be the right choice for ensuring safe water for your family’s use. These systems, as well as other water filtration or conditioning options, may also be recommended to address other contaminants or issues, such as the taste of your water.

Whether you are concerned about arsenic in your water or have other water quality or system needs, the Aqua Pump Company is here to help. We serve communities throughout Connecticut and in western Massachusetts. In addition to well repair and maintenance services, as well as water tank and well pump installations and services, we also provide 24-hour emergency service. As a Certified Operator, we can also help you ensure the safety of a public water system. Contact our experts today for help with your water quality.