How to filter arsenic out of well water
How to Filter Arsenic Out of Well Water
If you have arsenic in well water, choosing the right filtration system is an important step toward protecting your family’s drinking water. Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant that is sometimes found in groundwater. Private well owners need to test their water to determine whether arsenic is present.
The good news is that there are several types of arsenic water filters available for both drinking water and whole-house treatment.
Is Arsenic in Well Water Dangerous?
Arsenic in well water can be a serious health concern. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of arsenic through drinking water can increase the risk of certain cancers, including bladder, lung, and skin cancer. The EPA’s maximum contaminant level for arsenic in public drinking water is 10 micrograms per liter (10 ppb). Private wells are not regulated under the same federal drinking-water requirements, so testing is especially important for well owners.
Arsenic cannot reliably be detected by looking at, smelling, or tasting your water. A laboratory water test is the best way to determine whether your well water contains arsenic and how much is present.
Step 1: Test Your Well Water for Arsenic
The first step in choosing arsenic water filters is to have your water tested.
A water test will tell you how much arsenic is in your well water. If you have a private well, it is also helpful to test for other water-quality characteristics that can affect the performance of an arsenic filtration system.
Important water-quality information includes:
- Arsenic concentration
- pH
- Water hardness
- Iron
- Manganese
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Other contaminants that may be present
The more you know about your water, the easier it is to select an appropriate arsenic removal system.
For reliable results, use a state-certified drinking-water laboratory. If your water test shows elevated arsenic, consider using an alternative safe drinking-water source until the problem is addressed.
Your water source can help identify the contaminants you may encounter and the type of treatment you need.
Common water sources include:
- Private wells
- Municipal or public water supplies
- Spring water
- Lake water and other surface-water sources
If you are on a private well, it is your responsibility to have your water tested. Public water systems are regulated under federal drinking-water standards, but private wells are not subject to those same requirements.
Step 2: Decide Whether You Need Point-of-Use or Whole-House Filtration
When learning how to filter arsenic out of well water, one of the most important decisions is where you want the treatment system installed.
Point-of-Use Arsenic Filters
A point-of-use (POU) system treats water at a specific faucet, such as the kitchen sink. This type of arsenic water filter is designed to provide treated water for drinking, cooking, and other consumption-related uses.
Point-of-use treatment can be a practical option when your primary goal is to reduce arsenic exposure from drinking water.
Whole-House Arsenic Water Filters
A point-of-entry (POE) or whole-house system treats water as it enters your home or building. This provides treated water throughout the plumbing system.
Whole-house treatment may be appropriate when you want to address arsenic in the water supplied to multiple fixtures. The choice between point-of-use and whole-house treatment depends on your water test results, water usage, and treatment goals.
Step 3: Choose the Right Arsenic Water Filters
There are several technologies used to remove arsenic from drinking water. The correct choice depends on your water chemistry, arsenic concentration, and treatment requirements.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a widely used to remove arsenic from drinking water. It uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, to produce filtered water.
Point-of-use reverse osmosis is commonly used for drinking-water treatment. However, not all RO systems perform the same way, and arsenic removal depends on the specific system and water conditions.
In addition to standard reverse osmosis, you can add an arsenic selective cartridge to the RO. This will remove more arsenic from your water.
Adsorption Media
Some arsenic water filters use specialized media that adsorb arsenic from water. These filters are designed for either point-of-use or whole-house applications.
The performance of adsorption media depends on factors such as pH, arsenic concentration, competing contaminants, and media capacity. Proper system selection and maintenance are important to ensure the filter continues to perform as intended.
Other Arsenic Treatment Technologies
Depending on the water chemistry and size of the application, other arsenic removal technologies may include ion exchange, activated alumina, and oxidation followed by filtration.
A water-treatment professional can help determine which technology is appropriate for your well water.
Can Filters Remove Arsenic From Well Water?
Yes. You can remove arsenic from well water.
The important thing is to choose a filter designed for your specific arsenic concentration and water chemistry. A filter that works well for one water source may not be appropriate for another.
Before purchasing an arsenic water filter, make sure you are getting the right filter for your water.
How Much Do Arsenic Water Filters Cost?
The cost of arsenic removal depends on the type of filter you need. And futhermore, whether you want to remove the arsenic from drinking water or from the whole house.
Point-of-use filters are used to treat drinking water at a single faucet. On the other hand, Whole-house systems may require larger equipment and additional treatment stages.
Rather than choosing a system based on price alone, start with a water test and select a filter designed to meet your water-treatment needs.
See all our arsenic water filters
Need Help Choosing an Arsenic Water Filter?
At Water Filters of America, we offer arsenic water filters for both point-of-use and whole-house applications.
If you’re unsure, we can help you determine what type of arsenic filtration system may be appropriate for your well water.
Questions?
Call Toll Free: 800-684-0979