Arsenic in Ohio's Ground Water

Arsenic (As) is a relatively common, naturally occurring element found in the earth's crust. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from commercial applications, such as wood preservation, paints, dyes, soaps, metals, and semi-conductors. Although high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water are most often found associated with higher concentrations of metals, such as near past or present mining operations, arsenic concentrations can vary greatly from well to well in the same area. It can even change in the same well over time.

EPA lowered the arsenic standard for drinking water from 0.050 parts per million (50 parts per billion) to 0.010 parts per million (10 parts per billion) in January, 2006.

• Arsenic in Public Water Supply Wells                                             
• Arsenic in Ambient Ground Water Monitoring Wells                    

Fact Sheets

• Arsenic Fact Sheet for Public Water System Customers (2006)

Presentations

• Occurrence and Distribution of Ground Water Arsenic in Public Water Supply Wells in Ohio [PDF]

Other Links*

• US EPA: Arsenic in Drinking Water
• US EPA: Arsenic Research and Available Publications
• Arsenic Virtual Trade Show (a learning portal designed to help public water systems comply with EPAs Arsenic Rule)
• US EPA: Arsenic Rule

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