What Causes High Arsenic Levels in Well Water?
When customers contact Aquarius Home Services, they’ll often want to know what causes high arsenic levels in well water. There’s a good reason for asking this question. Arsenic can cause severe health problems and needs to be eliminated immediately. If you have any reasons to believe arsenic might be coming from your well, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so we can install a Kinetico water purification system. You’ll have clean water and true peace of mind.
So, how can arsenic get into your well? Here are a few ways, as well as information on what you can do about the problem.
Geological Sources
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust. Certain geological formations, such as aquifers and sediments, may contain high levels of arsenic. If you get your well water from areas tainted with arsenic, it’s going to get into your home.
The composition of rocks and soils in a particular area can significantly influence arsenic concentrations in well water. Arsenic is often released into the groundwater through the weathering of minerals, particularly those containing arsenopyrite or other arsenic-bearing minerals./*! elementor - v3.19.0 - 28-02-2024 */<br /><br>.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=".svg"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}
Human Activities
Human activities such as mining and industrial operations can introduce arsenic into the environment. In regions with a history of mining or industrial practices, contamination of groundwater with arsenic can be a significant concern. Arsenic may leach into the groundwater from mining waste or industrial discharges. The use of arsenic-containing pesticides and herbicides in agriculture can also contribute to arsenic contamination in well water.
Microbial Processes
Certain bacteria have the ability to convert inorganic arsenic species, affecting the mobility and toxicity of arsenic in the environment. Microbial activity can influence the release of arsenic into the groundwater, contributing to elevated concentrations in well water.
Health Risks Associated with Arsenic
Arsenic in well water is a serious problem, one you must address as soon as possible. These are just a few of the reasons why:
- Carcinogenic effects: Chronic exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
- Skin and cardiovascular issues: Prolonged exposure to elevated arsenic levels can lead to skin lesions, pigmentation changes and cardiovascular diseases. Arsenic toxicity can affect multiple organ systems, causing both acute and chronic health effects.
- Neurological and developmental effects: Arsenic exposure has been associated with adverse effects on the nervous system and cognitive development, particularly in children. Long-term exposure may lead to neurodevelopmental issues and intellectual impairment.
Addressing the Issue
Regular testing of well water is crucial to identify and monitor arsenic levels. Testing can help homeowners and communities take appropriate actions to address arsenic contamination and ensure safe drinking water.
In addition, various water treatment technologies, such as activated alumina filtration, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange, can effectively reduce arsenic levels. Selecting the appropriate treatment method depends on the specific form of arsenic present and the water chemistry. An Aquarius Home Services expert can show you what type of Kinetico system will be best for your exact situation.
What causes high arsenic levels in well water? As you can see, a lot of factors contribute to the problem. But the best solution is to install a Kinetico water purification system to eliminate the issue once and for all. Turn to Aquarius Home Services to learn more. You can use our online contact form or call 877-690-5750.
