Arsenic

WaterOne constantly monitors water quality to ensure that elements like arsenic pose no threat to its customers. Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment. It's the 20th most common element found in the earth's crust and the 12th most common element found in the human body. Arsenic seeps into water sources by weathering rocks, fossil fuel emissions, and some manufacturing practices.

Overexposure to arsenic can cause a variety of adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal irritations accompanied by difficulty swallowing, thirst, abnormally low blood pressure, or convulsions. Evidence suggests that long-term exposure to high arsenic levels may increase cancer risk. When distilled and ingested in extremely high doses, arsenic may cause cardiovascular collapse.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for most people, the most significant risk of exposure to arsenic is through food, including fish and seafood.

Fortunately, WaterOne has always safeguarded the public water supply from arsenic concentrations. WaterOne has never detected arsenic at harmful levels in its water. Regulatory agencies define safe levels for arsenic as 10 parts per billion (ppb) or less. WaterOne's technology is so sensitive, that it can detect arsenic down to 1 part per billion (ppb), ensuring that we achieve the highest safety standards possible.

Public safety is our priority. If WaterOne detects this or any other harmful substance in the water supply, we are required by law to notify the public. To ensure we reach you with important information about water quality and your water service, sign-up for Notify JoCo.