Fleck Arsenic Filter

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This week, you are considering two technical approaches to address arsenic in your household water and need clear information to guide your decision.

Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits for Arsenic

Some water quality standards relate to taste, odor, or staining—known as aesthetic secondary standards—and these differ from health-based limits set by regulatory agencies. For arsenic, federal health-based standards are established to protect against potential long-term health effects. However, aesthetic guidelines do not apply to arsenic because it does not affect taste or appearance noticeably. Understanding this distinction helps focus on meaningful limits rather than concerns about non-health-related thresholds.

What Happens When Arsenic Is Not Treated Over Years

Arsenic exposure through drinking water over extended periods can pose health risks, which is why the federal government sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) to limit arsenic presence. Untreated arsenic in water, if above regulatory limits, may contribute to health issues. However, the actual impact depends on your water's arsenic concentration, which must be determined through testing of your specific source rather than assuming based on regional data.

How Sample and Well Depth Affect Arsenic Levels in Water

Data from the U.S. Geological Survey shows arsenic concentrations in sampled wells from Washington County's aquifer 112SDGV ranged from 0.13 to 0.2 micrograms per liter, with wells sampled at depths between 18 and 140 feet. Generally, arsenic levels may vary by well depth and local geology, so considering the depth and type of your household water source is important in anticipating treatment needs.

What the Measured Arsenic Range Means Against Federal Standards—and What It Does Not Mean

The U.S. Geological Survey’s samples showed that arsenic was detected in four out of six results but remained below federal health-based maximum levels in all cases. This shows that while arsenic is present in the aquifer, it has not exceeded health-based limits in the sampled wells. However, these measurements apply to those specific wells and do not establish your water’s arsenic level without individual testing.

How Treated Water Differs at the Tap With the Fleck Arsenic Filter

Using the Fleck Arsenic Filter, designed for residential use, can reduce arsenic concentrations by filtering the water before it reaches your tap. After treatment, water typically shows substantially decreased arsenic levels, improving safety and peace of mind. The system ships ready to configure for your household’s plumbing setup, providing a reliable option to manage arsenic concerns technically and practically.

How to Judge Treatment Capacity Against Your Household’s Daily Demand

When selecting a treatment system, consider your household’s daily water use to ensure the system’s capacity aligns with your needs. The Fleck System is designed to handle typical household water volumes, but matching it to your specific demand ensures consistent performance. Reviewing typical water consumption helps determine if one approach suits your residence better than another.

These findings are based on U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling of Washington County’s aquifer 112SDGV from 2014 through 2023, reflecting arsenic levels in sampled wells but not your individual household water. For your specific water safety, testing your own supply is necessary. For more information, see the government source at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-08-02. 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 112SDGV aquifer (Washington County): 6 results from 2 wells, median 0.175 ug/L, range 0.13-0.2 ug/L; none above any federal threshold