Environmental Health

Arsenic

Other Links

Click on the mailbox below to e-mail us if you have questions or comments

Back to top

Objective: 
Reduce human exposure to arsenic by increasing the percentage of public water systems that are in compliance with the new EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic.

	NH Baseline 1999	80% systems in compliance with  the new MCL of 0.005 mg/L18
	US Baseline	NA
	NH Target 2010	100%

Objective: 
Increase the percentage of private wells tested for arsenic.

	NH and US Baseline	NA
	NH Target 2010	Developmental
	(Test 50% of existing wells and 100% of new wells.)

Arsenic occurs naturally in New Hampshire’s bedrock, and is therefore a natural water contaminant in the State. Chronic exposure to arsenic may contribute to bladder cancer. 
     The current Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for arsenic in public water systems is 0.05 mg/L. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finalize the new MCL, 0.005 mg/L, in 2001. New Hampshire will take an important step toward decreasing the negative health impacts of arsenic in drinking water by implementing the new MCL.
     In 2000, DES incorporated arsenic in standard water analysis, and encourages private well owners, particularly those with bedrock wells, to test for arsenic. Water treatment methods exist to reduce confirmed elevated arsenic levels in private water supplies.

Home

Next
Radon