Arsenic in Groundwater: What It Means for Your Household
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in some groundwater sources, including wells drawing from aquifers like 120UFAQ in Highlands County, Florida. It is important to understand that arsenic itself is not uncommon in groundwater, but its presence requires attention because over certain concentrations it can pose health concerns.
If you draw your household water from a private well in Highlands County, you may be aware of arsenic as a potential issue, but you likely do not know the exact concentration in your water without testing. Government data provides insight into the typical arsenic levels found in this area’s groundwater system, but these readings are not a direct measurement of your own well water.
What Government Data Reveals About Arsenic in Highlands County Aquifer 120UFAQ
The U.S. Geological Survey collected groundwater samples from two wells in the 120UFAQ aquifer in Highlands County, measured at depths between 1520 and 1530 feet. The sample set includes three results taken between April 2015 and January 2026.
- The median arsenic concentration was 0.27 micrograms per liter (µg/L).
- The range of detected arsenic concentrations was 0.22 to 0.28 µg/L.
- All samples detected arsenic, with none below the reporting limit.
- No result in this data set exceeded any federal arsenic concentration thresholds for drinking water.
These figures represent arsenic conditions in the aquifer region and cannot be used to establish your household well’s arsenic concentration. Individual testing is the only way to determine your water’s arsenic level.
Testing Your Well Water to Understand Your Arsenic Level
Given the variability in groundwater quality, the only certain way to know the arsenic concentration in your household water is through laboratory testing of your own well sample. This test must specifically analyze for arsenic using recognized methods to ensure accurate results.
Regular testing is especially recommended if your well draws from deep wells or areas known to have detectable arsenic presence. Testing results will inform your decisions on water treatment and safety measures.
How Reverse Osmosis Can Address Arsenic in Household Water
If arsenic is detected at levels of concern in your well water, a treatment method capable of reducing arsenic is essential. Reverse osmosis is a proven technology effective at lowering arsenic concentrations along with other dissolved contaminants.
WaterSoftenerPlus offers a 1400 gallons per day (GPD) commercial reverse osmosis system that ships ready to configure for household use. It includes a 5 by 40-inch tank to support your water needs. This system provides a reliable solution for reducing arsenic and improving overall water quality.
Choosing reverse osmosis technology helps ensure your household water is safer and more pleasant tasting by reducing substances like arsenic that can be present in groundwater.
Summary
- Government sampling in Highlands County’s 120UFAQ aquifer shows low arsenic levels within federal thresholds.
- Your household water arsenic level can only be known by testing your own well.
- Reverse osmosis is a documented effective method to reduce arsenic in household water supplies.
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.
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