Arsenic was found in my well water test – how did it get there?
Finding Arsenic in a well water test in Maine is not unusual. In fact, there are several ways it enters our water supply. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in bedrock. When groundwater flows over bedrock, the groundwater picks up the Arsenic. Spring in New England is a great example of groundwater flowing over bedrock. Driving down the highway, you’ll see water pour from between, what looks like, solid rock. Industrial waste expressed into the air can introduce Arsenic to the environment. When the rain cleans the air, the contaminant settles into the groundwater. Lastly, mining, fertilizers, herbicides, and solid industrial waste can introduce Arsenic into our water supply. Arsenic has many entry points into our groundwater and is colorless and tasteless. Therefore testing your water is crucial.
Why do I need to test my water for Arsenic?
Arsenic can cause multiple health issues in high concentrations, including damage to the digestive tract, heart, and circulatory system. Studies also suggest that Arsenic can be associated with skin cancer.
TESTING YOUR WATER is the only way to know if there is Arsenic in your well water. Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends homeowners test their water every 3-5 years.It’s important to understand that your water will change as the environment around us changes. When we receive the Arsenic water test back from the lab, FONTUS will be right there to help evaluate your water. The primary drinking water standard for Arsenic is ten micrograms per liter (10ug/L).
Arsenic was found in my well water test – now what do I do?
First, we must explain that eliminating the exposure source is the only way to treat Arsenic exposure. Boiling your water will not remove Arsenic, which is a very dangerous common misunderstanding. The only way to remove Arsenic from your well water is through filtration by removing the contaminant altogether.
There are several options to remediate your water. “Point-of-use” (e.g., under the sink or at the tap) treatment can be both effective and relatively inexpensive. Another option is treating the water that enters your home directly from the well, depending on the water test results and usage types. For example, you might consider a point-of-entry system if you have a large garden to water.
How FONTUS Can Help
The FONTUS experts will provide a free immediate-response water test onsite. We will also correctly collect the state-certified approved samples needed for an arsenic test for you. Then we send them to a state-certified Maine Lab for a TSFHA water test. The TSFHA Water Test will test for Coliform Bacteria & E. coli (pos/neg), Nitrate, Nitrite, Fluoride, Chloride, Copper, Iron, pH, Manganese, Color, Turbidity, Uranium, Lead, Arsenic, and Magnesium in your water. This test is an additional charge determined by the lab and paid to the lab.
What is a free immediate-response water test?
An immediate-response water test is a test done onsite, getting your results immediately. This test allows us to determine if and what levels of iron, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, salinity, copper present in your water. By the end of our appointment, you’ll have all your questions answered. And, most importantly, you’ll have a plan in hand to make sure your water is clean and pure.
In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your free immediate-response water test today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
You Can Trust FONTUS Water Treatment To Stay by Your Side
At FONTUS, we’re passionate about water purity. We pride ourselves on being reliable, hassle-free, and always available. For example, as the environment and your water change, we’re here to help evaluate your water. Through testing, installation, and maintenance, you can trust FONTUS to ensure clean, pure water for your home or office.