If you’re a Lakes Region resident with a private well, it’s essential to be aware of the potential presence of arsenic in your water. Many towns in this area, including Meredith, Tilton, Laconia, and Wolfeboro, rely on private wells for their drinking water. Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element commonly found in well water, but exposure to inorganic arsenic can harm your health.
What is arsenic?
Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. It is commonly found in rocks, soil, and water and can be released into the environment through natural processes or human activities. Arsenic has no taste or odor, so the only way to know if it is present in your water is to test for it.
Types of arsenic
Arsenic exists in two forms: organic and inorganic. Organic arsenic is commonly found in fish and other seafood but is not considered harmful to human health. Inorganic arsenic, however, is considered very harmful and can come from various sources, including natural bedrock deposits and industrial or agricultural pollution.
Exposure to inorganic arsenic
Exposure to inorganic arsenic can harm human health, including increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. Long-term exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic can lead to skin problems, reproductive issues, and even death.
Regulation of arsenic in water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a limit on how much arsenic can be present in public water supplies. In New Hampshire, the limit is 0.005 mg/L – stricter than any other state in the US. While this is great for those, who rely on public water sources, what about those with private wells? The EPA does not regulate private wells, and it’s up to the homeowner to ensure their water is safe from contaminants such as arsenic. So what should homeowners know?
If you’re a Lakes Region resident with a private well, it’s important to have your water tested for arsenic to ensure it is safe for drinking and other household uses. The presence of arsenic in well water is a serious concern in the state, and testing your water is the only way to know if it is safe.
Testing for arsenic in water
If you’re concerned about the safety of your well water, it’s best to have it tested by a qualified professional. At LaChance Water Filtration, we are experts in water testing and treatment. We can help ensure that any arsenic present in your well water is within safe levels.
When it comes to testing for arsenic in water, it’s important to use a certified laboratory that uses approved testing methods. Your water test results will provide information on the level of arsenic in your water and other potential contaminants. If your water test shows that the level of arsenic is above the allowed limit, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to reduce your exposure to the contaminant.
At LaChance Water Filtration, we are proud to work with Granite State Analytical as our local certified water testing facility. Granite State Analytical is one of New England’s most trusted water testing facilities and has been providing extremely accurate testing since 1987.
Reducing arsenic in water
If your water test shows that the level of arsenic in your water is above the EPA’s limit, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to the contaminant. The first step is to identify the source of the arsenic, which can help determine the best course of action.
If the source of the arsenic is from natural deposits in the bedrock, it may not be possible to eliminate the contaminant from your water completely. In this case, installing a water treatment system is vital to remove arsenic from your water. Several different water treatment systems are available, and the team at LaChance Water Filtration can help you choose the best option for your needs.
If the source of the arsenic is industrial or agricultural pollution, it may be possible to eliminate the contaminant by addressing the pollution source. This may involve contacting local authorities or organizations to report the contamination and take action to prevent further pollution.
In conclusion, arsenic is a common element found in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire well water. Exposure to inorganic arsenic can have harmful effects on your health, so it’s essential to have your water tested by a qualified professional. At LaChance Water Filtration, we are dedicated to providing clean, safe drinking water to our customers. If your water tests positive for arsenic, we can help you reduce your exposure and prevent contamination. Call us at (603) 732-2533 to learn more about our services and how we can help you #drinkcleanwater #betterthanbottled ?
Recent Comments