Autotrol Arsenic Filter

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Step 1: Understanding Arsenic Concentrations Reported in Somerset County Bedrock Wells

Laboratory reports for arsenic in water typically provide a concentration measurement in micrograms per liter (ug/L). In Somerset County, Maine, samples taken from four bedrock wells at depths between 100 and 555 feet during 2011 showed arsenic concentrations ranging from 0.26 to 9.6 ug/L, with a median of 1.575 ug/L. All four wells had arsenic detected but none exceeded the federal safety threshold for arsenic in drinking water. It is important to note that these measurements reflect the region’s bedrock aquifer and are not specific to any individual well. Your own water should be tested to determine its arsenic level precisely.

Step 2: What Happens if Arsenic Remains Untreated Over the Years

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can dissolve into groundwater from geological formations over time. While it is odorless and tasteless in water, long-term consumption of arsenic above certain levels may have health implications according to federal guidelines. Untreated arsenic does not typically cause immediate household water hardware damage, but its presence is a reason for careful water management. Since Somerset County bedrock groundwater can contain measurable arsenic, households relying on private wells are encouraged to understand their exposure.

Step 3: Which Household Fixtures and Appliances Are Affected First and Why

Arsenic in water primarily affects fixtures involved in daily consumption and water use—kitchen taps, drinking fountains, coffee makers, and any appliances preparing food or beverages. Because arsenic is dissolved in the water supply, it passes through plumbing and devices without causing staining or taste changes but accumulates in the water itself. Treatment systems that address arsenic typically target water entering the household to ensure all outlets provide safer water quality.

Step 4: How to Judge Treatment Capacity Relative to Your Household’s Daily Water Demand

When considering arsenic treatment, one crucial factor is matching the system’s capacity to your household’s daily water use. Treatment devices have rated flow capacities and contaminant removal limits, which should align with how much water your family uses each day. An arsenic removal system like the Autotrol Arsenic Filter ships ready to configure for specific home water demands. Knowing your average daily consumption helps determine an appropriate size and model, ensuring effective arsenic reduction without inconveniencing water supply.

Step 5: How Arsenic Enters Groundwater in Somerset County’s Bedrock Aquifers

In Somerset County, the presence of arsenic in groundwater is primarily due to natural geological conditions of the bedrock aquifers. Arsenic is released into the aquifer water through the weathering of arsenic-containing minerals deep in the rock formations. This means that arsenic concentrations can vary depending on the specific location and depth of a well. Surface contamination sources are not typically responsible for arsenic in this context.

Final Step: What You Should Test to Resolve Your Household Arsenic Concerns

The most direct way to determine if arsenic treatment is warranted for your home is to conduct a laboratory test on your well or water source specifically measuring arsenic concentration. A reliable water analysis will provide a precise arsenic level, enabling informed decisions about appropriate treatment equipment. If your test results indicate arsenic presence at or above levels of concern recommended by federal guidelines, selecting a treatment system designed for residential arsenic removal can provide peace of mind. The Autotrol Arsenic Filter is one such system engineered to handle these needs in typical household daily demand situations.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-09-27. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (Somerset County): 4 results from 4 wells, median 1.575 ug/L, range 0.26-9.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold