The U.S. Geological Survey sampled arsenic concentrations in three bedrock aquifer wells within Androscoggin County, ME, during late 2011. All three samples detected arsenic, with levels ranging from 0.24 to 16.4 micrograms per liter and a median of 10.7 micrograms per liter. None exceeded federal health-based thresholds.
Distinguishing Arsenic from Commonly Confused Water Concerns
Arsenic presence is often mistaken for problems caused by other dissolved metals or contaminants affecting taste or color. Unlike iron or manganese, arsenic is odorless, tasteless, and colorless at typical concentrations. Its detection does not indicate water hardness or sediment issues but points to a unique chemical element that may pose long-term health considerations if elevated. Understanding this distinction helps avoid misdiagnosis of water quality problems.
Stepwise Process to Confirm Arsenic Presence and Source
- Begin with a visual and sensory inspection of water characteristics: discoloration or metallic taste generally suggests other minerals, not arsenic.
- Review local water quality reports such as municipal or regional data to establish baseline expectations.
- Collect a certified laboratory test of a representative household water sample specifically analyzing arsenic concentration to determine your specific water condition.
Information to Document Before Seeking Treatment Guidance
- Record the well depth, especially if a private bedrock well is used, as arsenic can vary with depth.
- Note any existing water treatment equipment and its maintenance schedule.
- Document household daily water usage, including peak and average consumption, for accurate treatment capacity planning.
- Keep a copy of certified lab test results that report arsenic levels in micrograms per liter.
Balancing Treatment Capacity with Household Water Demand
Reliable arsenic treatment must manage your household’s total daily water volume. Calculating this involves summing typical usage for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. Treatment systems should be sized to handle this volume efficiently without reducing household water flow or performance. Accurately gauging this demand ensures effective arsenic reduction and consistent water availability.
Understanding Sampling Report Terms: Detected, Median, and Range
In the USGS report, “detected” means arsenic was measured above the method’s minimum recording capability in all sampled wells, but it is not a violation or safety determination by itself. The “median” is the middle value of the three results, offering a sense of typical concentration in the sampled aquifer. The “range” shows the lowest and highest measurements, indicating variability within the sample area. These statistics describe regional characteristics and do not specify your individual water quality.
For households with arsenic concerns matching these regional findings, the C-Series Arsenic Filter ships ready to configure and offers treatment aligned to measured daily water demand, providing a focused option to address arsenic while supporting normal household water use.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-10-13. 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 (Androscoggin County): 3 results from 3 wells, median 10.7 ug/L, range 0.24-16.4 ug/L; none above any federal threshold