Should You Be Concerned About Arsenic in Your Drinking Water?
Do you know about arsenic in water? And what it does to your health? In fact, many people share that worry. They want to keep their loved ones safe.
So, learning about it is the first step. Then, you can protect your family from an unseen threat.
Next, here are the key things we’ll cover:
- What is arsenic?
- Where does it come from?
- Why arsenic in water is bad
- How arsenic gets into city and well water
- How water testing for arsenic works
- What water treatment systems remove it
- Which filtering options are safest
- Why regular water testing is crucial
Now, let’s explore more about arsenic in water.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a natural element. It is found in the Earth’s crust. It exists in the area naturally. However, human activities can also add arsenic in water. Thus, this raises concerns for many communities.
There are two main types of arsenic. Organic and inorganic. Notably, inorganic arsenic is worse. It’s the type most often found in water sources. So, the risk of arsenic in water is a serious problem.
Where Does Arsenic Come From?
In fact, knowing the sources of arsenic is vital. Plus, arsenic can enter water supplies in many ways:
- Natural deposits: Rocks and soil contain arsenic. Over time, weather and erosion can release it. But some areas naturally have more. Of course, this increases the chances of illness.
- Industrial activities: Mining, smelting, and manufacturing can release arsenic. Frequently, these activities can pollute the soil and water sources.
- Agricultural runoff: Arsenic was once used in pesticides. Although not much now, some remain in the soil. When it rains, this can wash arsenic into the water. In addition, factory farming can also make arsenic in water worse.
- Wood preservatives: Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was a common wood preservative. Specifically, arsenic can get into water from treated wood. In other words, not good for health.
- Geothermal activity: Similarly, arsenic is found in areas with geothermal activity. It’s found in water near springs and vents.
Health Risks of Arsenic Exposure
Exposure to arsenic can cause many health problems. But these effects depend on:
- The amount of arsenic in your water
- How long you’re exposed
- Your age and overall health
Short-term effects: For instance, heavy exposure in a short time can cause:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Numbness and tingling in arms and legs
- Muscle cramps
Significantly, in severe cases, arsenic poisoning can be deadly. Indeed, quick medical help is important if you suspect exposure.
Long-term effects: Even small amounts of arsenic in water can cause health issues.
- Cancer: Arsenic is a well-known carcinogen. As a result, being around it increases the risk of several cancers.
- Cardiovascular disease: Plus, arsenic exposure is linked to a higher risk of heart problems.
- Neurological problems: Arsenic can damage the nervous system. And this can lead to learning disabilities in children. As well as nerve damage and skin problems.
- Diabetes: Research suggests a link between arsenic exposure and type 2 diabetes.
- Fertility problems: Arsenic is linked to fertility issues in men and women.
These health effects may take years to appear. Therefore, early detection and prevention are essential.
Arsenic in City Water
Public water systems are regulated by the EPA. Thus, cities must test and treat their water. This ensures it meets safety standards.
The EPA limit for arsenic in drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb). Now, here’s more information on EPA Drinking Water Standards.
City water systems aim to meet these limits. Although arsenic levels can sometimes be higher. This is due to:
- Aging or damaged infrastructure. Especially in historic cities like Chicago.
- Water treatment plant malfunctions
- Changes in the water source
Your city water may meet EPA standards. But you should reduce your exposure to arsenic. This is important for children, seniors, and pregnant women.
How to check your city’s water:
- Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR): Water systems must provide customers with a CCR annually. This report details the levels of many toxins. Including arsenic.
- Contact your local water utility: For any queries about your water quality, reach out to your local utility company.
- Get your water tested: Ultimately, you can hire experts like the team at Angel Water to do the testing. This provides a clear list of contaminants.
Arsenic in Well Water
So, do you rely on a private well for your water? Then, its safety is your responsibility.
Private wells are not regulated by the EPA. Truly, regular testing for arsenic in well water is crucial.
Arsenic contamination is a common issue for well water users. Especially in areas with high arsenic levels in the ground. Testing is the only reliable way to find out for sure.
Again, test your well water for arsenic every year. If you have sensitive people in your household, test more often.
Compare your test results to the EPA’s limit of 10 ppb for arsenic. Does the level exceed this limit? Then take steps to remove it. Even if the level is below, you may still want to reduce it.
Also, well maintenance can help prevent contamination. This includes:
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- Inspecting the well for damage
- Cleaning the well to remove dirt
- Sealing any cracks to prevent arsenic getting in.
Treatment Options for Removing Arsenic from City or Well Water
Critically, if your water tests positive for arsenic? Then you need to take action. Indeed, various treatment options are available. Moreover, the right course of action depends on:
- The amount of arsenic in your water
- The volume of water you need to treat
- Your budget
Most importantly, trust the experts of Angel Water. We’ll guide you through the testing process. And help you learn more about your results.
Our Top Recommendations for Arsenic in Water
- Point-of-Use systems: These systems treat water at a single faucet, such as your kitchen faucet. They are less expensive than whole-house systems.
- Reverse osmosis (RO): RO systems effectively remove arsenic and other problems. This includes lead, nitrates, and bacteria. RO systems use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. To clarify, they easily filter out impurities like arsenic.
- Whole-house water filters: Yes, these systems treat all the water coming into your home. Yes, they are pricier to install. On the other hand, they protect all water usage, such as:
When picking a water filter system:
Choose a certified system: Look for systems certified by organizations like NSF International. Or the Water Quality Association (WQA). This ensures the system meets high standards for removing arsenic in water.
Consider your water content: What’s in your water can affect the success of treatment. Correspondingly, water testing can reveal the best action.
Follow maintenance instructions: All water treatment systems require regular service. Additionally, this should be done by smart, licensed plumbers. Pro maintenance is needed. It ensures your system continues to remove arsenic in water.
Why You Need to Test for Arsenic in Water Regularly
Primarily, water testing is the only way to stay safe. Even though your water may look and taste fine.
But arsenic in your water could still be at dangerous levels. Regular tests let you detect arsenic early. Also, it protects your health.
Water testing is really important:
- For homes with its own well. Indeed, these are not tested by the EPA. Be sure your home is safe, especially regarding arsenic in water.
- If you live in an area with known arsenic contamination. Some regions have naturally high levels of arsenic in the soil and water. This increases your risk.
- When young children or pregnant women are in your household. To emphasize, kids and pregnant women are more likely to get sick from bad water.
- If your water changes in taste, smell, or look. Any changes in your water can show a problem. If so, this requires a test.
- After a flood. Flooding can introduce toxins into your water. Potentially, including arsenic.
- After well maintenance. Working on your well can disturb sediment. And this may release dirt into the water. That can add arsenic.
Protecting Your Family: Steps Against Arsenic Poisoning
Specifically, you need safe water for your household.
Here are steps you can take today. Reduce your arsenic in water exposure:
- Consider bottled. If you are worried about arsenic in water, you can use bottled. But bottled water isn’t always safe either.
- Don’t boil your water. Boiling water will not remove arsenic. On the contrary, this will make arsenic in water worse.
- Install a shower filter. Arsenic can be absorbed through your skin during showers. A shower filter can help reduce your risk.
- Maintain your plumbing. Old pipes can leach lead and other bad things into your water. Thus, consider getting new pipes to prevent bad effects.
- Stay informed. In general, learn about arsenic and water safety. Consult info from the EPA. Likewise, seek advice from experts like the team at Angel Water for personalized guidance.
Take Control of Your Water Quality
As shown above, arsenic in water poses a real health risk.
Understanding water treatment options is crucial. And helps protect your loved ones. As well as preserving the value of your home.
Make smart choices about your home’s water. This will help you enjoy clean, safe water.
Why Choose Angel Water
In summary, don’t wait to take care of your arsenic in water problems.
Remember, testing is vital for well and city water. You can’t see, taste, or smell arsenic. So professional testing is the only way to know your water is safe.
Reach out to the licensed plumbers of Angel Water today! In fact, we’ll help you pick. Get the right filter for any water issue, including arsenic.
Chiefly, make sure that your family stays healthy. Be free from the dangers of arsenic in water. West Palm Beach, Florida, and the greater Chicagoland area, we’re here for you!
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