For many years, the drinking water standard for arsenic was 50 parts per billion (ppb). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightened the standard from 50 ppb to 10 ppb in January 2001 for federally regulated (Group A) community and nontransient noncommunity (NTNC) water systems. EPA changed the arsenic standard to reduce people's long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water, which has been linked to chronic health issues.

Washington State adopted the revised arsenic standard January 14, 2004.

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

Resources

Regional Office Staff

Financial Assistance

External Links to more Arsenic information

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA Arsenic Trade Show

Area-wide Soil Contamination - Ecology

Arsenic Info - Ecology

U.S. Geological Survey - Mapping Arsenic in Groundwater

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Last Update : 01/15/2010 10:34 AM