Level of Arsenic in Well Water in CT

Arsenic, a naturally-occurring element and type of metal, is toxic to humans upon exposure. Health effects of arsenic contamination include various types of cancers if elevated drinking water levels are commonly ingested. In Connecticut, studies have found that there is arsenic contamination in home wells within the northeastern part of the state. However, public health officials have concluded that it is currently not a major hazard to healthy individuals. Arsenic can be tested by drinking water labs and can be removed through filters.

Identification

• Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element that has no smell or taste. Its maximum containment limit goal (MCLG)--a nonenforceable recommendation based on human health measures-- is zero. In other words, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that ideally humans should not be exposed to any level of arsenic due to its potential health effects. On the other hand, the EPA's maximum containment limit (MCL), which is enforceable, states that as of 2006, humans should limit exposure to 0.010 mg/l.

Sources

• Arsenic can flow out of soils or mineral deposits into the groundwater. However, it is unknown how much this occurs in bedrock wells of Connecticut. In the Eastern part of the state, surveys have concluded that arsenic contamination is not widespread, but neither is it predictable. A private study showed results that many wells in the South Woodstock area near Linemaster Switch contained arsenic. Of the 50 wells sampled, 35 of these contained detectable levels of arsenic.

Effects

• According to the EPA, arsenic is considered to be a human cancer-causing agent. People living in areas where water concentrations are very high in arsenic are more likely to develop bladder, lung and skin cancer. Skin damage and problems with circulatory systems are also risks associated with exposure to arsenic. Although northeast Connecticut has been shown to have arsenic-contaminated drinking water wells, there is not an established public health concern over this situation.

Prevention/Solution

• Drinking water can be easily tested for arsenic contamination at a state-certified lab. If the test results show heightened arsenic levels, the water can easily be treated with a reverse osmosis water treatment system or by the use of a distiller. Because only drinking water needs to be treated, installing a "point of use" system at the kitchen sink is a simple step that can be taken to avoid ingesting arsenic.

Expert Insight

• Humans come into contact with arsenic through many sources other than ingestion of contaminated water. For example, according to the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) total diet study, the average amount of inorganic arsenic in food is equivalent to drinking up to two liters of water containing 0.005 mg/l of arsenic. Seafood is another food source that may contain high levels of this chemical.