Autotrol Arsenic Filter

Buy Now

View full details

Arsenic Levels Depend on Plumbing Age and Materials

Many homeowners assume that the presence of arsenic in household water is strongly influenced by the type or age of their plumbing. While plumbing materials can affect certain water qualities, arsenic itself is typically not introduced by pipes or fixtures. Instead, arsenic originates from natural sources in the aquifer. For Union County, Arkansas, plumbing contributes little to arsenic levels; the concentrations measured come from groundwater, independent of household plumbing systems.

The Range of Arsenic Found Locally Is Well Below Federal Thresholds

The U.S. Geological Survey collected samples from 11 wells in the 124SPRT aquifer beneath Union County between 2012 and 2019. Among 14 tests, arsenic was detected in 4 results, ranging narrowly from 0.04 to 0.07 micrograms per liter, with a median of 0.055 micrograms per liter. Importantly, none of these results exceeded the federal arsenic standard of 10 micrograms per liter. This means that while arsenic is present, the levels in these area wells have not breached regulatory safety limits. However, these figures describe the aquifer generally and do not establish the arsenic concentration in any individual household well.

Household Fixtures and Appliances Are First Affected by Water Quality, Not Arsenic Levels

Concerns about arsenic often focus on health risks rather than direct effects on plumbing fixtures or appliances. Arsenic does not cause visible staining, corrosion, or mineral buildup. Therefore, kitchen faucets, water heaters, or dishwashers typically show no early signs of arsenic contamination. If unusual fixture behavior or water discoloration occurs, other water quality factors are likely involved. Households worried about arsenic should prioritize water testing over symptom-driven diagnosis.

Arsenic Enters Groundwater from Natural Sources in the Aquifer

In Union County's aquifer 124SPRT, arsenic originates naturally from geological materials. Water moving through soil and rock can dissolve trace amounts of arsenic compounds, carrying them into groundwater. This process varies by depth and local geology; the sampled wells ranged from 260 to 771 feet deep. Human activities such as industrial discharge or agricultural runoff are not primary sources of arsenic here. Understanding this natural origin helps clarify why arsenic presence in wells is largely independent of nearby land use.

Seasonal and Multi-Year Sampling Demonstrate Stable Low-Level Arsenic Presence

The USGS samples spanned over seven years, from July 2012 to September 2019, capturing a broad timeframe for variation. The narrow range and infrequent detection among 14 samples suggest arsenic levels remain relatively stable at low concentrations within the aquifer. Seasonal changes or transient spikes were not evident in the dataset. Nonetheless, any household interested in arsenic levels should conduct specific well water testing because local conditions could differ.

These findings summarize arsenic data from groundwater samples in Union County's 124SPRT aquifer as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. For detailed information, visit the USGS site monitoring well 330631092370801.

For residential arsenic reduction needs, the Autotrol Arsenic Filter offers a technology that treats water to reduce arsenic exposure effectively. It ships ready to configure and can be selected when test results indicate arsenic levels require mitigation.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-09-18. 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 124SPRT aquifer (Union County): 14 results from 11 wells, median 0.055 ug/L, range 0.04-0.07 ug/L; none above any federal threshold