Arsenic in Highlands County's Aquifer 120UFAQ: What Government Sampling Shows
Groundwater monitoring conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in Highlands County, specifically targeting aquifer 120UFAQ, reveals detectable arsenic in samples drawn from deep wells—between 1520 and 1530 feet. The arsenic concentration in this area has been consistently measured across three samples from two distinct wells taken between April 2015 and January 2026. The median arsenic concentration recorded was 0.27 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with the range spanning from 0.22 to 0.28 µg/L.
It's important to emphasize that although arsenic was detected in every sample, none of these values exceed federal health-based thresholds for arsenic in drinking water. These findings provide a regional snapshot but do not specify the arsenic level in your household water supply. The only way to know that is through a specific test of your own water source.
Understanding Arsenic and Its Effect on Household Water
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can dissolve into groundwater from surrounding rock formations. When present in elevated amounts, arsenic can impact water quality and may pose health considerations over long-term exposure. Even concentrations below health standards can affect taste and cause other aesthetic issues, though this is less common at the levels found in Highlands County's aquifer 120UFAQ.
Because arsenic concentrations vary widely, households relying on groundwater sources should consider testing their individual water supply to determine their specific arsenic levels. This crucial step ensures informed decisions about treatment needs tailored to the water's actual composition.
When Existing Arsenic Treatment Falls Short
Many households in Highlands County rely on equipment intended to reduce arsenic to acceptable levels. However, increased water usage or aging treatment systems may reduce effectiveness, leaving arsenic removal behind household demand. In these cases, enhancing treatment capacity becomes necessary to maintain water quality.
Upgrading capacity doesn't mean changing the technology entirely, but expanding the system's ability to process and purify larger volumes effectively. This helps maintain a safe and pleasant water supply, even when your household water needs grow or your existing equipment struggles.
How a 1400 GPD Commercial Reverse Osmosis System Helps
A practical approach to meet increased arsenic treatment demands is using a 1400 gallons per day (GPD) commercial reverse osmosis system. This system ships ready to configure and leverages reverse osmosis technology, which forces water through a semipermeable membrane, effectively reducing arsenic and other dissolved substances. Its 5x40 tank size supports consistent supply by storing purified water.
Reverse osmosis is a proven water treatment technology well suited to arsenic removal when calibrated correctly for household needs. Utilizing a system with higher treatment capacity ensures that even during periods of greater water consumption, arsenic reduction remains reliable without compromising flow or convenience.
What to Do Next
- Test your household water specifically to know your arsenic concentration and other quality parameters.
- Assess whether your current water treatment equipment meets your daily water volume demands effectively.
- Consider enhancing your system's capacity with a higher GPD reverse osmosis unit designed to serve households with elevated water use.
By understanding the regional arsenic presence, confirming your own water quality, and selecting equipment that matches your consumption patterns, you can ensure your household water maintains its safety and quality over time.
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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