Removing Arsenic from Drinking Water: The Benefits of a Whole-Home Water Treatment System
Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical element that can be found in small amounts in soil, water, and air. While it is not uncommon to find trace amounts of arsenic in well water, high levels can be dangerous to human health. Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other serious health problems.
If you are concerned about the levels of arsenic in your drinking water, a whole home water treatment system may be able to help. There are several different types of systems that can remove arsenic. We offer customizable systems based on the results of a water analysis at your location.
One option is an activated carbon system, which uses charcoal treated with oxygen to create a highly porous material that absorbs contaminants including arsenic. These systems are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants and are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. Another option is a reverse osmosis system — we sell a drinking water system called the K5 as well as a whole-home solution — which uses a membrane to filter out contaminants by forcing water through under pressure.
A third option is a water softener. While primarily used to remove hard water minerals, water softeners can also help reduce arsenic levels, though they are not as effective as other systems. Whichever you choose, have your water tested by a professional to determine the levels of arsenic and ensure the system can effectively remove it.
Until you are able to have your water analysis, you can reduce your exposure by using bottled water for drinking and cooking. Note that boiling water for at least one minute can help kill bacteria and viruses, but it will not remove arsenic. Overall, a whole home water treatment system can be an effective way to remove arsenic from your drinking water and protect the health of your family.