Many households in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, are aware that arsenic can be found in local groundwater. However, knowing the presence of arsenic in the region's aquifer does not provide a precise picture of any one household’s water quality. This page clarifies what government groundwater sampling data reveal about arsenic in the area aquifer S100RIOGRD and offers practical guidance on evaluating and addressing potential arsenic concerns.
Understanding 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in the Local Arsenic Record
The U.S. Geological Survey collected arsenic data from 41 wells within Bernalillo County’s S100RIOGRD aquifer between May 2017 and November 2018. Among these wells, arsenic was detected in 40, with concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 5.6 micrograms per liter (µg/L). The median value was 0.78 µg/L. Importantly, none of the samples exceeded any federal thresholds for arsenic concentration.
This record reflects measurements from multiple wells at depths between 468 and 522 feet and represents an area-wide snapshot rather than any single household’s water. A detection means the measuring instrument found arsenic at or above its reporting limit; it does not imply a violation or unsafe level. The median indicates that half the values were above and half below 0.78 µg/L, with some variation across the range found in the sample set.
Confirming Your Household's Water Quality Starts with the Easiest Checks
Before pursuing specialized laboratory testing for arsenic, it is wise to review more accessible indicators. Check for local water advisories or municipal water quality reports, which often summarize constituent levels and compliance records. Since arsenic detection varies by well and depth, any untreated well water should be tested directly through a certified laboratory for arsenic before deciding on treatment.
Because regional sampling cannot establish your particular water's quality, a household water test is the definitive step. Certified laboratory testing will report arsenic concentration in your water, enabling informed decisions about whether treatment is appropriate.
Larger Households, Secondary Residences, and Seasonal Homes: What to Consider
Water usage patterns influence both exposure risk and treatment system sizing. Larger households may need solutions designed for higher water volume, while seasonal or second homes may face water stagnation in plumbing during inactivity, which could impact water quality.
When deciding on arsenic treatment, consider the residence’s occupancy schedule and water use to select a system capable of effective performance under those conditions.
How Well Depth and Water Source Affect Expected Arsenic Levels
Arsenic concentration can vary with well depth and the geological characteristics of the aquifer. The sampled wells in Bernalillo County ranged from 468 to 522 feet deep, representing a segment of groundwater sources. Shallower or deeper wells might have different arsenic levels, as can wells drawing from different aquifers or water sources.
Understanding your well’s depth and water source type provides context for your test results and expectations but does not replace the necessity of your individual water quality testing.
The Impact of Plumbing Materials and Age on Water Quality
While arsenic primarily originates from the water source, plumbing materials and the age of household pipes can influence overall water quality. Plumbing components do not add arsenic but may affect other aspects like corrosion and mineral content, which can alter taste or staining issues unrelated to arsenic.
Addressing arsenic focuses on treating the source water rather than household plumbing, though maintaining plumbing integrity is always beneficial.
The Essential Step: Order a Certified Laboratory Test for Arsenic in Your Water
The only way to know your household’s actual arsenic level is by obtaining a laboratory analysis of your water from a certified testing service. Should the arsenic concentration warrant treatment, the C-Series Arsenic Filter ships ready to configure and offers a documented method to reduce arsenic effectively. This approach ensures you address real water quality concerns based on your test results rather than area-wide estimates.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-11-29. 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 S100RIOGRD aquifer (Bernalillo County): 41 results from 41 wells, median 0.78 ug/L, range 0.07-5.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold