How Dangerous is Arsenic in My Drinking Water?

Earlier this month, we shared the results of a first-of-its-kind study that analyzed water quality data from more than 48,000 communities across the county. The study found traces of carcinogens in drinking water, which may be linked to more than hundred thousand cancer cases in the United States. Arsenic was among the carcinogens discovered in the study and was determined to cause the highest risk for cancer (Medical News Today). 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), acceptable levels of arsenic in water is 10 parts per billion (or 10 micrograms per liter): “However, consuming water with arsenic at levels lower than the EPA standard over many years can still increase your risk of cancer. As a result, the EPA has set a goal of 0 µg/L of arsenic in drinking water” (Minnesota Department of Health). 

What Is Arsenic and Where Does It Come From?

Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally from either organic or inorganic substances. Think of mining and industrial processes as inorganic arsenic compounds—inorganic is when arsenic is considered to be the most dangerous to one’s health (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). These compounds help release arsenic into the environment, and this element is usually found in soil, some foods, and you guessed it, water! 

“It can leach into groundwater through rocks and soil…Arsenic levels tend to be higher in drinking water that comes from ground sources, such as wells, than from water from surface sources, such as lakes or reservoirs,” (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences).

It’s fair to say that arsenic in well water is becoming a major health concern, especially in the state of Minnesota, where since 2008, over 40% of new wells drilled had traces of arsenic in them (MDH). When people are exposed to high levels of arsenic, or even low levels of arsenic over an extended period of time, they may develop the following symptoms (according to the World Health Organization):

• Cancer
• Skin Lesions
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Delays in Cognitive Development
• Higher Mortality Rates—if exposed to at an early age

Is There Arsenic in My Drinking Water?

We understand that the idea of arsenic, or any type of carcinogen, present in your drinking water is a terrifying thought. At Aquarius Water Conditioning, our mission is to help our customers have access to quality drinking water 24/7, 365 days a year! You should never be afraid or question what might be lurking in your tap water. Trust our team to guide you to an effective, affordable water filtration solution.