Arsenic Concentrations in Private Bedrock Wells in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Arsenic Map

Source: Adapted from figure created by United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Although the EPA threshold for safe drinking water is 10 parts of arsenic per billion, according to the World Health Organization “there is no known level of arsenic exposure that is considered safe.” The effects of arsenic exposure in children especially is alarming: cognitive deficiencies, increased anti-social behavior, lower educational attainment, brain development, kidneys and liver complications are all examples of the dangers posed. Testing your water on a regular basis for arsenic (and other contaminants) and treating the water accordingly is the only way to ensure safe private well water.