ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER
WHAT IS ARSENIC?
Arsenic is a natural element that can be found in the Earth's crust. In Nova Scotia, some areas have higher arsenic levels in their drinking water.
HOW DOES ARSENIC GET INTO DRINKING WATER?
Arsenic can get into water supply when groundwater dissolves minerals that contain arsenic, through industrial effluents, pesticide runoff, or from atmospheric deposits. High levels of arsenic are more more commonly found in drilled wells rather than dug wells or surface water supplies.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CONCERNS?
Consuming water with elevated levels of arsenic over a short span can cause nausea, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Ingesting low levels over a longer period of time can cause certain types of cancer.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE IT FROM DRINKING WATER?
There are several treatment processes that can be used to treat water with arsenic at the point-of-entry or the point-of-use. Some of the more common and effective methods include reverse osmosis, anion exchange and adsorption media.
