Measured Arsenic Range Versus Federal Health-Based Standard
Government testing of groundwater from aquifer 121CKKD in Burlington County includes 38 samples from 13 wells collected between April 2010 and June 2024. Arsenic was detected in 21 of these results, with concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 6.6 micrograms per liter (μg/L). The median concentration found was 1.3 μg/L. Importantly, none of these measurements exceeded the federal arsenic limit set for safe drinking water, which is 10 μg/L. This means the sampled wells in this area have arsenic levels well within the federally accepted health-based limits. However, these figures only describe regional conditions and do not provide information about the arsenic content in your specific well or household water supply.
Aesthetic Secondary Standards Versus Health-Based Arsenic Limits
It is important to distinguish between health-based standards and secondary aesthetic standards when evaluating arsenic. While the federal health-based maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic aims to limit risk to health, some regions also enforce secondary guidelines to manage taste, staining, or odor. Arsenic does not have an established secondary standard because it typically does not affect aesthetic qualities of water. This contrasts with other substances subject to secondary limits, emphasizing why arsenic evaluations should focus on health-based criteria. Understanding this difference helps clarify that a water sample below the health-based limit is considered safe, even if trace arsenic is detected.
Sources of Arsenic in Burlington County Groundwater
In Burlington County, arsenic primarily occurs due to natural geological formations. As the aquifer 121CKKD consists of wells sampled from depths of 10 to 102 feet, arsenic can leach from arsenic-bearing minerals into groundwater over time. This natural presence contrasts with contamination from industrial or human sources, which appears less common in this area’s aquifer. While the aquifer data indicates baseline arsenic levels, individual wells may vary according to local geology, well depth, and groundwater flow. Municipal supply systems in the region typically monitor such parameters regularly to maintain compliance with federal water quality regulations.
Impact of Plumbing Materials and Age on Arsenic Presence
Arsenic levels measured in the aquifer reflect source water quality and are generally unaffected by household plumbing. Unlike lead or copper, arsenic does not typically leach from pipes or fixtures. Therefore, the material and age of plumbing in a home do not contribute significantly to arsenic concentration in tap water. However, plumbing can influence other water quality aspects, so maintaining awareness of pipe condition remains important for overall household water safety. For arsenic specifically, the source aquifer and groundwater chemistry are the main determinants.
Household Symptoms Indicative or Not of Arsenic Issues
Since arsenic is tasteless and odorless at typical environmental levels, it does not cause sensory changes detectable by household members. Symptoms related to arsenic exposure arise only with chronic ingestion of elevated concentrations, not from short-term presence at low levels. Signs such as unusual staining, metallic taste, or sudden water discoloration are unlikely to indicate arsenic. Instead, these symptoms more often relate to other water quality factors. Therefore, sensory detection is not a reliable method for determining arsenic issues in your household water after equipment failure.
Essential Testing to Confirm Household Arsenic Levels
The only definitive way to know the arsenic concentration in your household water after existing equipment has failed is to perform a laboratory water test on a sample collected directly from your tap. Testing will establish whether arsenic levels meet federal health-based limits or require treatment. Once confirmed, the Pentair Arsenic Filter system is a documented option designed to reduce arsenic content effectively. The system ships ready to configure for your home water setup, allowing you to restore water quality with reliable treatment technology.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-06-05. 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 121CKKD aquifer (Burlington County): 38 results from 13 wells, median 1.3 ug/L, range 0.03-6.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold