Understanding Arsenic in Washington Well Water
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can contaminate well water in certain parts of Washington state. Long-term exposure carries serious health risks.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a toxic element found in rocks and soil. It can dissolve into groundwater, especially in certain geological areas of the Pacific Northwest.
Health Risks:
Long-term arsenic exposure can cause:
Cancer Risks
- Skin cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
Other Health Effects
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Neurological effects
- Skin lesions and discoloration
- Weakened immune system
Arsenic in Washington State:
High-Risk Areas
- Eastern Washington (more common)
- Areas with volcanic rock geology
- Certain sedimentary formations
- Some agricultural regions
The Problem
- No taste, smell, or color
- Cannot be detected without testing
- Naturally occurring (not from pollution)
- Can vary by location and depth
EPA Standard:
- Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): 10 ppb (parts per billion)
- Previous standard was 50 ppb
- Even low levels pose health risks
- No safe level established
Testing for Arsenic:
When to Test
- New well installation
- Home purchase with well water
- Every 3-5 years for existing wells
- If neighbors have arsenic issues
- In known high-risk areas
Testing Process
- Professional lab testing required
- Test for total arsenic
- Some labs test arsenic species
- Costs typically $25-50
Treatment Options:
1. Reverse Osmosis (Most Effective)
- Removes 95-99% of arsenic
- Point-of-use (under sink) systems
- Certified for arsenic reduction
- NSF/ANSI Standard 58 certification
- Best for drinking and cooking water
2. Activated Alumina
- Specialized media for arsenic
- Point-of-use or whole-house
- Effective for moderate levels
- Requires pH adjustment
- Periodic media replacement
3. Anion Exchange
- Similar to water softening process
- Whole-house treatment
- Removes certain arsenic types
- Works best with pre-treatment
4. Iron Oxide/Manganese Filters
- Removes arsenic through adsorption
- Whole-house options
- Also removes iron and manganese
- NSF certified filters recommended
What Doesn't Work:
- Boiling (concentrates arsenic)
- Standard water softeners
- Basic carbon filters
- Sediment filters alone
- UV disinfection
Choosing the Right System:
Consider:
- Arsenic level in your water
- Household water usage
- Budget for equipment and maintenance
- Point-of-use vs. whole-house needs
- Other water quality issues
System Maintenance
- Regular filter/media changes critical
- Annual re-testing recommended
- Monitor system performance
- Keep maintenance records
Our Arsenic Services:
- Professional arsenic testing
- NSF-certified treatment systems
- Customized solutions for your water
- Expert installation
- Follow-up testing to verify removal
- Ongoing maintenance and support
Important Notes:
- Test before treating (know your levels)
- Use NSF-certified equipment
- Maintain systems properly
- Re-test regularly to verify treatment
- Pregnant women and children most vulnerable
Take Action:
If you haven't tested your well water for arsenic, now is the time. Contact us for:
- Professional water testing
- Treatment recommendations
- System installation
- Peace of mind for your family
