Pentair Arsenic Filter

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You may notice a metallic or slightly bitter taste at your tap or be concerned about contamination after hearing about arsenic in water. In Apache County, government groundwater sampling focused on aquifer 220NAVJ provides insight into what arsenic levels have been measured in the area over recent years, but this sampling does not define your own water quality.

What does the measured arsenic range mean compared to federal standards, and what should not be assumed?

Between 2010 and 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled groundwater from two wells in Apache County’s aquifer 220NAVJ, finding arsenic levels ranging from 3.2 to 51.6 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with a median of 27.4 µg/L. Although arsenic was detected in all samples, none exceeded federal arsenic thresholds for drinking water. This means while arsenic is present in the area's groundwater, the recorded concentrations did not surpass the regulatory action level set to protect health. However, these values do not identify whether your specific household water matches, exceeds, or falls below this range. Individual water sources can differ widely, so a professional test of your own water is the only way to know its arsenic content precisely.

What additional questions might a commercial or industrial water user ask that a household generally does not?

Commercial and industrial operators often consider arsenic's influence on processes, equipment longevity, and regulatory compliance for discharge and safety. They may need to investigate the variability over time, the impact on water-based production, and treatment options approved for larger-scale use. Households primarily focus on health implications and taste or appearance effects, so their questions usually center on whether their tap water is safe to drink and how to reduce arsenic if necessary.

How do sample depth, well depth, or water source type influence expected arsenic levels?

The sampled wells were between 675 and 1425 feet deep, tapping into aquifer 220NAVJ. Well depth influences water chemistry; deeper wells often have different mineral profiles than shallow ones. Groundwater arsenic can vary with geology, depth, and water flow. Your household water, especially if drawn from a private shallow well or a different aquifer, might have different arsenic characteristics. Therefore, general area sampling offers context but not a definitive result for your water supply.

What do the terms 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' signify in this sampling record?

• Detected: This indicates arsenic was measured at a level above the instrument's reporting limit in every sample taken, but detection does not imply a violation or that the water is unsafe.
• Median: This is the middle value of the eight measurements, meaning half the samples were above 27.4 µg/L and half below, reflecting typical conditions but not extremes.
• Range: The lowest and highest measured arsenic levels across the samples were 3.2 and 51.6 µg/L, respectively, showing variability within this portion of the aquifer during the testing period.

What changes when considering larger households, second homes, or seasonal properties?

Water usage patterns can vary greatly for larger or seasonal homes. If water sits in plumbing without use for long periods, arsenic or other contaminants could concentrate differently. Additionally, if the home relies on a well drawing from different depths or aquifers, arsenic levels may not align with the general area data. Regular testing is more important in these situations to ensure water remains within desired quality parameters during occupancy.

To understand your household’s specific arsenic level, the most definitive step is to have your water professionally tested by a certified laboratory. This test will confirm your water’s arsenic concentration and help decide if treatment is warranted.

Should treatment be necessary, the Pentair Arsenic Filter is a documented solution designed to reduce arsenic levels in residential water systems. This product ships ready to configure and can provide effective arsenic reduction when matched to your household needs following water quality verification.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-08-07. 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.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Arsenic in the 220NAVJ aquifer (Apache County): 8 results from 2 wells, median 27.4 ug/L, range 3.2-51.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold