Arsenic

Arsenic is a semi-metal element that is odorless and tasteless. Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment and as a by-product of some agricultural and industrial activities. It enters drinking water through the ground or as run off into surface water sources.

Higher levels of arsenic tend to be found more in ground water sources than in surface water sources (i.e., lakes and rivers) of drinking water, especially when demand causes significant drops in water levels. The demand on ground water from municipal systems and private drinking water wells may cause water levels to drop and release arsenic from rock formations.

Arsenic and Your Water

Arsenic, widely used as a wood preservative and poison for killing weeds, rats and insects, is a natural groundwater contaminant found in many areas of the world. Tasteless and odorless, arsenic is toxic to humans in quite a low concentration.

After years of research, the United States government decided to lower the arsenic maximum allowable level in water supplies to 10ppb (parts per billion), down from 50 ppb. In fact many consider arsenic levels above 5 ppb to be a health risk.

In 2006, public water supplies must meet the Environmental Protection Agency's new arsenic limit. If you receive your water from a private well, you should have your well tested for arsenic, especially if you are in an area where arsenic is most commonly found.

If your well tests positive for arsenic, Kinetico can help. Whether you are interested in whole-house arsenic removal or simply concerned with treating your drinking water, Kinetico has a solution that's right for you.

Because the amount of arsenic in well water can vary throughout the year, you should test more than once, at different times of the year.

• Arsenic Guard™
- The Kinetico Arsenic Guard significantly reduces arsenic in water without added chemicals or maintenance (your Kinetico dealer will replace exhausted tanks with fresh ones when necessary).
• Removes arsenic from your entire home's water supply
• Media used in system is customized based on the specific characteristics of your water
• Media is approved for drinking water use to NSF/ANSI Standard 61
• Simple maintenance of system is performed by your Kinetico water treatment professional