Arsenic Levels in Highlands County Aquifer 120UFAQ
According to U.S. Geological Survey groundwater data collected from wells in Highlands County tapping the 120UFAQ aquifer, arsenic was detected in three samples from two separate wells at depths of approximately 1,520 to 1,530 feet. The median arsenic concentration was 0.27 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with values ranging from 0.22 to 0.28 µg/L. None of these measurements exceeded federal arsenic thresholds for drinking water. These figures provide a regional context but do not represent the specific arsenic level in any individual well or water supply.
What Arsenic Detection Signifies and Why Testing Matters
Detection of arsenic indicates that this element is present in the groundwater aquifer system serving Highlands County in low concentrations. However, detection alone is not a safety assessment and does not imply contamination or a violation of water standards. To determine the exact arsenic concentration in your commercial building’s water supply, it is necessary to perform a site-specific water test. This is essential because arsenic levels can vary by well depth, location, and other environmental factors.
Challenges of Treating Arsenic for Entire Commercial Buildings
When managing arsenic in commercial water systems, especially for whole-building supplies, the treatment approach must accommodate higher volumes and consistent flow. Unlike point-of-use devices that treat water at individual faucets or equipment, whole-building treatment ensures that all water distributed within the facility meets target water quality. This comprehensive approach addresses the water used for drinking, food preparation, process water, and other operational needs.
Key considerations include:
- Capacity: The treatment system must handle the total water demand of the building, often needing to process thousands of gallons per day.
- Consistency: Maintaining reliable arsenic reduction without interruption across multiple outlets.
- Maintenance: Systems must be manageable to ensure continued performance without disrupting business operations.
How Reverse Osmosis Supports Whole-Building Arsenic Treatment
Reverse osmosis is a documented technology effective for reducing arsenic and other contaminants in water. For commercial-scale whole-building treatment, a system with a capacity of 1600 gallons per day (GPD) paired with a 4x40 gallon storage tank configuration can provide treatment matching building demand.
This system operates by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that reduces dissolved arsenic and other minerals. It ships ready to configure for your plumbing setup and can be integrated into your water system to deliver treated water consistently to all outlets within the building.
Next Steps for Commercial Operators in Highlands County
To address potential arsenic in your commercial facility’s water supply, arrange for a comprehensive water test from your well or municipal source to confirm arsenic concentration and other relevant parameters. If treatment is needed, consider a reverse osmosis system designed for whole-building use at 1600 GPD, tailored to maintain water quality for all your operational needs.
By combining regional water quality data with site-specific testing and appropriately sized treatment technology, you can effectively manage arsenic in your commercial water system while ensuring compliance with water quality standards and operational continuity.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.