Arsenic in Groundwater: What the Data From Highlands County Shows
In Highlands County, Florida, the U.S. Geological Survey has conducted groundwater sampling focused on aquifer 120UFAQ. This sampling provides insight into the presence of arsenic in this region's deep wells, ranging from approximately 1,520 to 1,530 feet in depth. Between April 2015 and January 2026, three samples were taken from two separate wells within the aquifer. Arsenic was detected in all samples, with concentrations ranging narrowly from 0.22 to 0.28 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and a median value of 0.27 µg/L.
Interpreting Arsenic Measurements: Detection vs. Safety Levels
It is important to understand that detection of arsenic in these samples does not indicate an exceedance of any federal safety thresholds. None of the measured concentrations surpassed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water, which provides a health-based guideline. Detection simply means that arsenic was measurable at low levels using sensitive instruments, not that the water is unsafe or in violation of regulations.
What This Means for Your Household Water
While these area-wide measurements give a general picture of arsenic presence in Highlands County’s groundwater aquifer 120UFAQ, they do not represent the arsenic concentration in your specific well or water supply. Groundwater quality can vary significantly due to local geological factors and well construction. To determine your household water's arsenic levels, a dedicated water test conducted by an accredited laboratory is necessary.
Why Testing Your Water Matters
Knowing the exact arsenic concentration in your own water is critical for informed decisions about water treatment. Testing will distinguish whether arsenic is present at levels requiring treatment or if no action is needed. Without a test, reliance on regional data alone is insufficient for evaluating your water’s safety or taste.
How Advanced Filtration Addresses Arsenic
For households that find arsenic levels above their comfort threshold or regulatory recommendations, targeted filtration solutions can reduce arsenic effectively. Technologies using adsorptive media are designed to capture and remove arsenic from water before distribution throughout the home.
One such option is the C-Series Arsenic Filter. This system uses specialized adsorptive media tailored to reduce arsenic concentrations. The equipment ships ready to configure for residential water systems, providing a practical response when arsenic mitigation is desired. Contact WaterSoftenerPlus for further details or to explore whether this solution fits your water quality needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. 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.