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Arsenic in Highlands County's Aquifer 120UFAQ

Government groundwater sampling conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in Highlands County, Florida, focused on the deep aquifer labeled 120UFAQ. Between April 2015 and January 2026, three samples from two separate wells at depths between 1,520 and 1,530 feet were analyzed for arsenic content. These samples detected arsenic at very low levels, with concentrations ranging from 0.22 to 0.28 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and a median of 0.27 µg/L.

These measures do not reflect the arsenic level in any individual household well but provide an overview of the regional groundwater quality within this specific aquifer. Importantly, none of these detected arsenic concentrations exceeded federal arsenic thresholds. Therefore, these findings do not indicate any regulatory exceedance or immediate safety concern for residents served by this aquifer.

What Arsenic Presence Means for Households

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element often present in groundwater. Its presence—especially at higher concentrations—can affect water quality and long-term health if consumed over time. Because the USGS results are from deep monitoring wells and not residential sources, individual testing of household water is essential to determine specific arsenic levels at a property.

Testing involves collecting a water sample for laboratory analysis following EPA guidelines to accurately measure arsenic concentration. This step is crucial because localized variations in geology or well construction can significantly influence water quality.

Household Water Treatment Considerations

When arsenic is detected in household water above levels of concern, selecting an effective treatment solution becomes necessary. Treatment choices depend on several factors including arsenic concentration, water flow rate, and household water usage patterns.

One documented technology appropriate for residential arsenic reduction is a system using adsorptive media, designed to reduce dissolved arsenic efficiently. The WSP 10 GPM Whole House Arsenic Reduction System operates with a flow rate capacity of 10 gallons per minute, suitable for standard household water demands.

Features and Benefits of Adsorptive Media Systems

• Targeted Arsenic Removal: These systems use specialized media to adsorb arsenic from the water, lowering concentrations before water reaches taps.
• Whole House Coverage: Designed to treat all incoming water, protecting all household water uses from arsenic exposure.
• Capacity: Supports typical residential flow needs at 10 gallons per minute, ensuring consistent water pressure without compromising arsenic removal.

Steps to Determine Your Treatment Needs

• Obtain a current arsenic test result for your household water source from a certified laboratory.
• Compare the measured concentration against federal guidelines to assess if treatment is necessary.
• Consider household size and water usage to select a treatment system with an adequate flow rate.
• Review the documented performance of arsenic removal technologies, such as adsorptive media systems, for suitability.

Choosing an arsenic treatment system designed to your home's specific water quality and use conditions ensures effective reduction and peace of mind. The WSP 10 GPM Whole House Arsenic Reduction System is one option that ships ready to configure to residential water supplies, providing a practical solution for arsenic concerns identified through proper testing.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2026-01-26. 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 120UFAQ aquifer (Highlands County): 3 results from 2 wells, median 0.27 ug/L, range 0.22-0.28 ug/L; none above any federal threshold

The documented solution

WSP 10 GPM Whole House Arsenic Reduction System