Household Arsenic Checklist for Middlesex County Water from Aquifer 112LCSR

The arsenic levels measured in groundwater samples from Middlesex County’s aquifer 112LCSR provide a reference but do not specify the arsenic concentration in your individual household well or tap water. Only a direct test of your own water can establish its specific content. This checklist clarifies how to interpret the area's measurements and guides you through deciding if and how to treat arsenic concerns.

1. Distinguishing Arsenic from Commonly Confused Water Issues

Arsenic vs. Iron and Manganese

Iron and manganese often cause discoloration and staining, whereas arsenic is odorless and tasteless, making it harder to detect without testing.

Arsenic vs. Bacterial Contamination

Bacteria affect water safety through microbial risks, while arsenic is a chemical element measured by concentration in micrograms per liter.

2. Testing Steps: From Basic to Laboratory Analysis

Visual and Taste Checks Are Insufficient

Arsenic cannot be identified by sight or taste, so do not rely on sensory detection.

Certified Laboratory Testing Is Required

Obtain a water sample tested by a certified lab to determine your household's exact arsenic level due to the invisible nature of this contaminant.

3. Household Fixtures and Processes Likely to be Affected First

Drinking Water and Cooking Use

Because arsenic is a chemical contaminant, all uses involving ingestion, especially drinking and cooking, are the primary concerns.

Water Used for Bathing and Cleaning

Arsenic does not usually damage fixtures or appliances but understanding its presence remains important for overall household health risk management.

4. Sample Size and Reliability of Area Arsenic Data

Four Results from Two Separate Wells

USGS sampled two wells in aquifer 112LCSR, producing four arsenic results collected over a four-day period in September 2023.

Small Sample Size Limits Individual Prediction

The limited number of samples reflects a snapshot in a specific area; it cannot replace the need for household-specific water testing.

5. Understanding the Arsenic Range Relative to Federal Guidelines

Measured Range from 10.0 to 40.0 µg/L

The USGS results detected arsenic in all measurements with a median of 24.0 micrograms per liter in this area’s aquifer.

No Exceedance of Federal Thresholds Recorded

None of the sampled values surpassed federal arsenic limits; detection indicates presence, not a violation or declared safety risk.

This information covers arsenic concentrations measured specifically in groundwater samples from Middlesex County’s aquifer 112LCSR, collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and reported in September 2023. More details are available at the USGS groundwater monitoring website.

For households considering treatment choices, the Pentair Arsenic Filter system ships ready to configure, offering a proven method to reduce arsenic in residential water supplies once testing confirms a need.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-09-25. 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 112LCSR aquifer (Middlesex County): 4 results from 2 wells, median 24.0 ug/L, range 10.0-40.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold