Rockport, Camden offer free arsenic testing of residential wells
Arsenic in groundwater is largely the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils. Several types of cancer have been linked to arsenic in water. In 2001 the US Environmental Protection Agency lowered the maximum level of arsenic permitted in drinking water from 50 micrograms per liter (ug/L) to 10 ug/L.
The U.S. Geological Survey has developed maps that show where and to what extent arsenic occurs in groundwater across the country. The current maps are based on samples from 31,350 wells. Widespread high concentrations were found in the West, the Midwest, parts of Texas, and the Northeast.
Arsenic in groundwater is largely the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils. Several types of cancer have been linked to arsenic in water. In 2001 the US Environmental Protection Agency lowered the maximum level of arsenic permitted in drinking water from 50 micrograms per liter (ug/L) to 10 ug/L.
The U.S. Geological Survey has developed maps that show where and to what extent arsenic occurs in groundwater across the country. The current maps are based on samples from 31,350 wells. Widespread high concentrations were found in the West, the Midwest, parts of Texas, and the Northeast.
The Camden and Rockport Conservation committees have teamed up to offer 150 free arsenic well tests to community members with residential well water. At a joint meeting in early November both boards agreed to use their budgeted funds to provide the free program.
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control, one in five Knox County wells has too much arsenic.
Arsenic has no taste or odor.
Arsenic in groundwater is largely the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Several types of cancer have been linked to arsenic in water. In 2001 the US Environmental Protection Agency lowered the maximum level of arsenic permitted in drinking water from 50 micrograms per liter (ug/L) to 10 ug/L.
People exposed to arsenic for an extended period of time are more likely to get lung, skin and/or bladder cancer. High exposure has also been linked to low birthweights and affected brain development. Other side effects include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet and changes in skin.
The program is in conjunction with the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) grants for eligible homeowners with private well water who are able to show high levels of arsenic contamination.
The grants available provide either point of access remediation or point of use remediation systems. The arsenic testing, which typically cost $20, was not included in the MSHA grant although other programs do exist that will waive the fees if income guidelines are met.
“We wanted to encourage members of our communities to test for arsenic in their well water to see if they may qualify for the abatement program,” said Rockport Conservation Commission member Marci Casas. “The best way to do that is to offer the testing for free.”
Testing for arsenic in well water is recommended every three to five years. It is easy to do and takes less than 10 minutes.
To participate in this program, pick up a sterile bottle and instructions at Camden Rockport Middle School, Camden Rockport Elementary School, Camden or Rockport Town office, or at Maine Water on Route 17 in Rockport.
The free arsenic kits will be available through December 31.
For more information email or call Marci Casas at marcijcasas@gmail.com 318-0131 and/or Community Development Director Jamie Francomano at planner@town.rockport.me.us 236-0989.
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