Arsenic in Our Drinking Water

It would not be surprising to find minute amounts of arsenic in our drinking water. After all, arsenic occurs naturally in the environment. It is a semi-metallic element that is found in the soil and in rocks. It also comes as a byproduct of industrial and agricultural products.

Exposure to high levels of arsenic in our drinking water can prove to be fatal over a period of time. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning become evident within hours of ingesting the chemical, however. Arsenic poisoning always begins with mild headaches that develop into lightheadedness.

Within hours of drinking arsenic with the water, the affected person may display gastrointestinal discomfort that can range with severe stomach pains, thirst, dryness of the throat, excessive production of saliva and cramps. Other symptoms that may show up later include burning pain when urinating, bloody or greenish vomit, reddish eyes, cold and clammy sweating, as well as delirium.

If left untreated, these symptoms caused by drinking water contaminated with arsenic can lead to various health problems, including cancer of the bladder, the skin, the lungs, the kidneys, the liver, and the prostate. Arsenic poisoning can also cause death.

How Does Arsenic Get Into Our Drinking Water?

As mentioned above, arsenic is found naturally in the environment. Ground water or well water is more likely to have higher levels of arsenic content. If farms and industrial plants are found near the surrounding locale, it is also possible for arsenic compounds to seep into the drinking water.

High demand for ground water used for drinking can also lead to arsenic contamination. When more water is used up, the faster the water sinks to ground level. This causes the arsenic compounds in the soil to mix more freely with the water.

Testing for Arsenic in the Drinking Water

Arsenic testing in drinking water is required by law, at least for municipalities and entities maintaining a public water supply system. They do the testing regularly.

The accepted MCL (maximum contaminant level) of arsenic in drinking water is no more than 10 parts per billion (ppb). Some parts of the United States, however, are considered to be hot spots when it comes to arsenic contamination; these areas include New England and the Midwest region.

Owners of private water supplies, however, are responsible for testing their own well water for arsenic contamination. This should be done regularly and with a state-accredited laboratory. If there is someone pregnant or nursing in your household, or if someone in your household is inexplicably sick, it may be a good idea to test your drinking water for arsenic.

Preventing Ingestion of Arsenic-Contaminated Well Water

No one can be truly safe from arsenic poisoning through drinking water, but it is always better to take measures against it. One common way, aside from testing the well water for arsenic, is to buy devices especially designed to filter arsenic from drinking water.

You would also need to change some practices that you may have if you suspect your drinking water to be laced with arsenic. You should take care if your well is located at a place where livestock is kept, where household wastes are disposed, or near the roadway. If you use fertilizers on your lawn, you should also test your drinking water for arsenic as well.