Findings published in the American Science & Technology Journal (and reported on in this WaterWorld article) reveal that high levels of naturally occurring arsenic may be occurring in the tap water of 2.1 million U.S households. The article notes these are only households that get their water from private domestic wells.
Private wells, which are used by more than 44 million Americans, are mostly unregulated in comparison to municipal water systems that are required to filter out arsenic and other dangerous contaminants. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum allowable contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water at 10 micrograms per liter.
According to the EPA, studies have linked long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver and prostate.
As a result of the study findings, researchers say all individuals getting their water from private domestic wells should have their water tested. Homeowners with well water may also want to invest in a whole-home water filter that can remove arsenic and other contaminants.
