Towards Understanding the Impact of Drought on the Arsenic Hazard for the Private Domestic Well Population in the United States
The USGS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are examining the potential effects of droughts on the arsenic hazard in private well water across the Nation.
Together, we are using existing models that can be modified with drought-influenced data, such as conditions that occurred in August of 2012, on recharge and precipitation to assess the effects on the probability of having high-arsenic wells. The estimates can then be used to assess potential changes in the number of domestic well users exposed to high arsenic and examine regional effects.
Specifically, this study’s objectives are to:
- Estimate the probability of having high arsenic in domestic wells under different drought scenarios; and
- Estimate the change in the number of domestic well users exposed to high-arsenic well water due to drought conditions.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Estimating the high-arsenic domestic-well population in the conterminous United States
Assessing models of arsenic occurrence in drinking water from bedrock aquifers in New Hampshire
Arsenic hazard and associated health risks: New England, USA aquifers
Below are FAQ associated with this project.
What determines if a well will go dry?
What causes drought?
When does a drought begin and end?
Where can I get my well water tested?
Where in the Nation are droughts or very low flows occurring now? How can I see these sites on a map and get to the data?
The USGS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are examining the potential effects of droughts on the arsenic hazard in private well water across the Nation.
Together, we are using existing models that can be modified with drought-influenced data, such as conditions that occurred in August of 2012, on recharge and precipitation to assess the effects on the probability of having high-arsenic wells. The estimates can then be used to assess potential changes in the number of domestic well users exposed to high arsenic and examine regional effects.
Specifically, this study’s objectives are to:
- Estimate the probability of having high arsenic in domestic wells under different drought scenarios; and
- Estimate the change in the number of domestic well users exposed to high-arsenic well water due to drought conditions.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Estimating the high-arsenic domestic-well population in the conterminous United States
Assessing models of arsenic occurrence in drinking water from bedrock aquifers in New Hampshire
Arsenic hazard and associated health risks: New England, USA aquifers
Below are FAQ associated with this project.