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Arsenic in Drinking Water 

For many years, the drinking water standard for arsenic was 50 parts per billion (ppb).  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightened the standard from 50 ppb to 10 ppb in January 2001 to lessen people's long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water.

The more stringent federal standard does not apply to all water systems in Washington.  Most Group A water systems, however must comply with the standard by January 2006.  Group A community water systems (serving more than 25 people), and non-transient non-community (NTNC) water systems, such as schools and daycares are subject to the new requirements. 

The State Board of Health (SBOH) considered revising the state drinking water rules to apply the lower arsenic standard for Group B water systems, and for Group A transient non-community (TNC) public water systems (such as gas stations, restaurants, highway rest areas). 

Three public forums were held in 2003 to stimulate discussion, educate water systems and consumers about arsenic in drinking water, and to get feedback on applying the federal arsenic standards for the Group B public water systems and Group A TNCs. Representatives from local health offices, advisory committees, and others also contributed ideas and feedback on the various options presented.

After considering the comments, the SBOH decided to include only those changes needed to be as stringent as the new federal rule for Group A water systems.  The new state rule, adopted on January 14, 2004 includes a lower arsenic standard of 10 parts per billion for Group A community and NTNC water systems.  The new rule does not apply the 10 ppb standard to TNC systems.  Consideration to revising the arsenic standard in the SBOH rules for Group B Public Water Systems, chapter 246-291 WAC, is being delayed at this time.

DOH Arsenic Contacts:

For drinking water and statewide source monitoring questions, call the regional office nearest you:

Southwest Regional Office, Tumwater: (360) 236-3030
Northwest Regional Office, Kent: (253) 395-6750
Eastern Regional Office, Spokane: (509) 456-3115

Health effects of arsenic-contaminated water: Jim W. White, toxicologist, (360) 236-3192

Viable treatment technology options: Sam Perry, alternative treatment engineer, (253) 395-6755
 

Arsenic Detections in Washington Public Water Supplies

 Publications (PDF)
 

• Guidelines for Water Systems

• Q & As for Consumers

• Arsenic and Your Private Well

• Arsenic Treatment for Small Water Systems

Resources

• Regional Office Staff
• Financial Assistance

External Links to more  Arsenic information

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• EPA Arsenic Trade Show

• Ecology - Area-wide Soil Contamination

• Ecology - More information on Arsenic

•  U. S. Geological Survey - Mapping Arsenic in Groundwater

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Last Update : 05/21/2009 06:23 PM