Imagine turning on your kitchen faucet and noticing a metallic taste or slight discoloration that makes you wonder if your water might contain arsenic. While you cannot determine the exact level in your household water without specific testing, regional data gathered by the U.S. Geological Survey for El Paso County’s aquifer 112HCBL provides important context about arsenic in your area.
What a Certified Laboratory Test for Arsenic Reports and How to Read It
A certified lab test typically measures arsenic levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L) and reports the concentration found in your water sample. The report will show the detected amount, or possibly indicate if arsenic was below the reporting limit. This numeric value reflects your household water at the time of sampling. Lab results often reference federal arsenic standards for comparison, but it is important to understand that detection does not necessarily mean a health issue; rather, it quantifies presence.
What to Write Down Before Asking for Treatment Advice
Before exploring treatment options, record the concentration of arsenic indicated on your laboratory report, the date the water was tested, and whether the water source is a private well or supplied through a public system. Also note any taste, odor, or staining concerns experienced at faucets. Document the depth and location of your well if applicable. This information is critical to obtaining guidance that matches your specific water profile.
Interpreting El Paso County Aquifer 112HCBL Arsenic Data as a Homeowner
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 25 wells in El Paso County’s aquifer 112HCBL, collecting 26 arsenic results between 2014 and 2016. The median arsenic concentration recorded was 6.95 ug/L, with samples ranging from 1.5 to 13.1 ug/L. All samples were from wells between 390 and 1155 feet deep. Significantly, none of these values exceeded federal arsenic thresholds. This means while arsenic is consistently present in this regional groundwater, the survey found no samples above regulatory limits. Your household water’s arsenic level might be different; only a certified laboratory test on your own water can tell.
How Water at the Tap Changes Once the Documented Technology Is in Place
Using a water treatment device such as the Autotrol Arsenic Filter, designed specifically for arsenic reduction, can meaningfully lower arsenic concentrations in household water. This system uses a proven filtration method to reduce arsenic content, improving taste and safety perception without altering other water qualities. After setting up this equipment, water from your taps should show reduced arsenic levels as confirmed by follow-up testing.
What Distinguishes Arsenic Issues from Commonly Confused Water Concerns
Arsenic is often confused with other water constituents because it is odorless and colorless, making detection without testing impossible. Unlike minerals that cause hardness or iron staining, arsenic does not affect water hardness or leave rust-colored stains. Its presence is a chemical matter requiring specific analytical methods. Therefore, resolving iron or hardness issues does not address arsenic, and vice versa. Knowing precisely what contaminant is present informs the best treatment approach.
In summary, while regional data from El Paso County’s aquifer 112HCBL show arsenic present in all sampled wells within a range below federal thresholds, your own water quality can only be verified by certified laboratory testing. Once you have your report, the Autotrol Arsenic Filter ships ready to configure and is a documented solution to reduce arsenic levels effectively in residential settings based on your measured concentration.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-23. 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 112HCBL aquifer (El Paso County): 26 results from 25 wells, median 6.95 ug/L, range 1.5-13.1 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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