Recent test results show your household water contains elevated levels of arsenic. What should you do? Don’t panic. There are several techniques for removing arsenic from your home’s water.
What is Arsenic and Where Does it Come From?
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element found in soils and rocks. Overtime, as soils and rocks erode and dissolve, arsenic can seep into the surrounding groundwater and ultimately, your home’s water supply. Because it is odorless and tasteless, you won’t know if you have arsenic in your water until you have it tested by a professional.
Arsenic and Health Problems
Arsenic has been linked to health problems in several areas throughout the United States, including New Hampshire, where bedrock contains higher levels of the element. Ingestion of arsenic has been linked with the following health issues:
- circulatory problems
- several types of cancer
- development of diabetes
- weakened immune systems
Arsenic Removal From Private Wells
Now that you know you have arsenic your water, the only way to eliminate it is through proper treatment. Heating your water or using pitcher-style filters will not remove arsenic.
A point-of-use system is often recommended as the simplest and most cost-effective solution for long-term treatment of arsenic in drinking water. Installed at a dedicated faucet where water is frequently used (typically under the counter of a kitchen or bathroom sink), the device filters water at the actual source.
Point-of-Use Arsenic Treatment Systems
Reverse osmosis is a preferred method for point-of-use technology because it removes many impurities from the water, not just arsenic. Reverse osmosis is a process that pushes water through a semipermeable membrane under pressure, leaving contaminants behind. The arsenic-based water is disposed to the home septic system, while the treated water is stored in a small pressure tank, and dispensed at the dedicated tap.
Adsorptive Media consists of a granular material through which water passes. Substances in the water “stick” to the surface of the media by adsorption, and treated water passes through. Most adsorptive media systems require backwashing to remove accumulating particles of sediment; the backwash can then be discharged into the septic system.
Some people prefer to treat arsenic at additional locations—including bathroom sinks and showers—where water is used in the home. In this case, a whole-house treatment system may be recommended. Many system configurations are available to you. Contact a water treatment professional to discuss your options.
Point-of-Use Arsenic Treatment Options in Manchester, NH
Need help in removing arsenic from your home’s water? Contact the certified water treatment specialists at Secondwind Water Systems for your free site evaluation. Our Water Quality Association Specialists will help you determine which point-of-use arsenic treatment option best meets your needs.
