How do I know I have arsenic in my water?
Arsenic has neither aroma nor taste and can therefore not be confirmed without first doing a water analysis. The presence of high levels of arsenic in soil and bedrock varies across the country. Arsenic is more common in rock-drilled wells. In the case of arsenic in dug wells, it is more likely that the water has become contaminated, then usually by chemicals from industry.
What do I do if I have arsenic in my water?
Start by getting a professional water analysis to confirm arsenic levels. If arsenic is detected, identify the source — whether natural (geological) or man-made (industrial contamination) — so you can choose the most appropriate treatment solution.
Do not drink water that might contain arsenic! It has big health risks.
What level is acceptable?
Acceptable arsenic levels in drinking water vary by country and regulatory body. In Sweden, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies water as unfit for drinking at concentrations above 10 µg/L. The World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value is also 10 µg/L, while the U.S. EPA standard is 10 ppb (equivalent to 10 µg/L).
Is it dangerous to drink water with arsenic in it?
You should NOT drink or handle foods in water that you suspect contain arsenic. Arsenic can affect your health, both if you are exposed to the substance during short- or long periods of time. Arsenic increases the risk of cancer of the skin, lungs, bladder and probably also of the liver and kidneys. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease, liver damage, chronic cough, diabetes and skin changes.
Children and fetuses are most sensitive to arsenic. Arsenic passes through the placenta, but very little passes into breast milk. Arsenic can affect the development of the nervous system and the immune system.
Bluewater purifiers remove arsenic, but the removal rate depends on whether it is trivalent (III) or pentavalent (V) arsenic.
Do Bluewater machines remove arsenic?
Yes — Bluewater purifiers do remove arsenic, but the removal efficiency depends on the form of arsenic present:
- Arsenic (III) is removed with 50-80%
- Arsenic (V) is removed by 99.3%
If your water contains high levels of trivalent arsenic (As III), a pre-oxidation treatment step before the reverse osmosis (RO) system may be required. Oxidation converts trivalent arsenic (As III) into pentavalent arsenic (As V), significantly increasing the removal rate through the RO membrane.