Public Perception Impedes Prevention of Arsenic Exposure Completed
Sealed Domestic Well Cap Installation
One of the biggest challenges in preventing arsenic exposure from drinking water may be public perception, according to a recent special section of Science of the Total Environment. In this special section of 13 papers report on new understanding of arsenic hydrogeochemistry, performance of household well water treatment systems, and testing and treatment behaviors of well users in several states of the northeastern region of the United States and Nova Scotia, Canada.
It is estimated that there are over 13 million private wells in the United States, and that about 15 percent of the U.S. population, or over 43 million people, rely on private wells for their drinking water. Arsenic is present in groundwater used for drinking water in several regions of the United States, including the northeastern United States and the adjoining Atlantic Canadian provinces. For example, the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program determined that more than 10 percent of wells in crystalline-bedrock aquifers in New England contain concentrations of arsenic greater than 10 micrograms per liter, the maximum contaminant level of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to a National Research Council report on assessments of inorganic arsenic toxicity, even low to moderate (10 to 100 micrograms per liter) levels of arsenic, commonly detected in many private wells, is a public health concern.
Although the scientific understanding of arsenic, its behavior, and how to detect it has steadily advanced, there has not been much research done on what actions, if any, well users have or are taking to reduce their risk of exposure. Because arsenic in water is tasteless and odorless, it is not possible for consumers to recognize arsenic without testing. According to studies completed in Nova Scotia and Maine, testing for arsenic in private wells is often not done because of a low perceived risk for arsenic exposure, inconvenience, and cost of testing. As part of these studies, scientists concluded that the public perception that arsenic is not a health concern prevents actions that could reduce exposure such as water treatment for arsenic removal or development of alternative water sources for private wells. Scientists at the USGS are hoping to evaluate alternative methods of well construction in shallow aquifers in the northeastern United States that could reduce exposure and the need for arsenic treatment systems.
This research was funded by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area’s Environmental Health Program (Contaminant Biology and Toxic Substances Hydrology) and the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Papers Contained in "Special Section: Arsenic in Private Well Waters of the Northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada" edited by Yan Zheng and Joseph D. Ayotte
Zheng, Y., and Ayotte, J.D., 2015, At the crossroads--Hazard assessment and reduction of health risks from arsenic in private well waters of the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1237–1247, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.089.
Dummer, T.J.B., Yu, Z.M., Nauta, L., Murimboh, J.D., and Parker, L., 2015, Geostatistical modelling of arsenic in drinking water wells and related toenail arsenic concentrations across Nova Scotia, Canada: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1248–1258, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.055.
Chappells, H., Campbell, N., Drage, J., Fernandez, C.V., Parker, L., and Dummer, T.J.B., 2015, Understanding the translation of scientific knowledge about arsenic risk exposure among private well water users in Nova Scotia: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1259–1273, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.12.108.
Flanagan, S.V., Marvinney, R.G., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Influences on domestic well water testing behavior in a Central Maine area with frequent groundwater arsenic occurrence: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1274–1281, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.017.
Flanagan, S.V., Marvinney, R.G., Johnston, R.A., Yang, Q., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Dissemination of well water arsenic results to homeowners in Central Maine--Influences on mitigation behavior and continued risks for exposure: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1282–1290, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.079.
Yang, Q., Culbertson, C.W., Nielsen, M.G., Schalk, C.W., Johnson, C.D., Marvinney, R.G., Stute, M., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Flow and sorption controls of groundwater arsenic in individual boreholes from bedrock aquifers in Central Maine, USA: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1291–1307, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.089.
O'Shea, B., Stransky, M., Leitheiser, S., Brock, P., Marvinney, R.G., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Heterogeneous arsenic enrichment in meta-sedimentary rocks in Central Maine, United States: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1308–1319, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.032.
Ryan, P.C., West, D.P., Hattori, K., Studwell, S., Allen, D.N., and Kim, J., 2015, The influence of metamorphic grade on arsenic in metasedimentary bedrock aquifers—A case study from Western New England, USA: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1320–1330, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.021.
Mango, H., and Ryan, P., 2015, Source of arsenic-bearing pyrite in southwestern Vermont, USA--Sulfur isotope evidence: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1331–1339, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.072.
Blake, J.M., and Peters, S.C., 2015, The occurrence and dominant controls on arsenic in the Newark and Gettysburg basins: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1340–1349, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.013.
Mumford, A.C., Barringer, J.L., Reilly, P.A., Eberl, D.D., Blum, A.E., and Young, L.Y., 2015, Biogeochemical environments of streambed-sediment pore waters with and without arsenic enrichment in a sedimentary rock terrain, New Jersey Piedmont, USA: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1350–1360, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.07.104.
Spayd, S.E., Robson, M.G., and Buckley, B.T., 2015, Whole-House arsenic water treatment provided more effective arsenic exposure reduction than point-of-use water treatment at New Jersey homes with arsenic in well water Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1361–1369, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.026.
Ayotte, J.D., Belaval, M., Olson, S.A., Burow, K.R., Flanagan, S.M., Hinkle, S.R., and Lindsey, B.D., 2015, Factors affecting temporal variability of arsenic in groundwater used for drinking water supply in the United States: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1370–1379, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.057.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Arsenic in Minnesota groundwater—Occurrence and relation to hydrogeologic and geochemical factors
Arsenic and Drinking Water
Metals and Other Trace Elements
Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Results in Arsenic Mobilization in Groundwater
Arsenic in Minnesota Groundwater
Below are publications associated with this project.
At the crossroads: Hazard assessment and reduction of health risks from arsenic in private well waters of the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada
Flow and sorption controls of groundwater arsenic in individual boreholes from bedrock aquifers in central Maine, USA
Biogeochemical environments of streambed-sediment pore waters with and without arsenic enrichment in a sedimentary rock terrain, New Jersey Piedmont, USA
Factors affecting temporal variability of arsenic in groundwater used for drinking water supply in the United States
The quality of our nation’s waters: Quality of water from domestic wells in principal aquifers of the United States, 1991–2004— Overview of major findings
- Overview
One of the biggest challenges in preventing arsenic exposure from drinking water may be public perception, according to a recent special section of Science of the Total Environment. In this special section of 13 papers report on new understanding of arsenic hydrogeochemistry, performance of household well water treatment systems, and testing and treatment behaviors of well users in several states of the northeastern region of the United States and Nova Scotia, Canada.
It is estimated that there are over 13 million private wells in the United States, and that about 15 percent of the U.S. population, or over 43 million people, rely on private wells for their drinking water. Arsenic is present in groundwater used for drinking water in several regions of the United States, including the northeastern United States and the adjoining Atlantic Canadian provinces. For example, the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program determined that more than 10 percent of wells in crystalline-bedrock aquifers in New England contain concentrations of arsenic greater than 10 micrograms per liter, the maximum contaminant level of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to a National Research Council report on assessments of inorganic arsenic toxicity, even low to moderate (10 to 100 micrograms per liter) levels of arsenic, commonly detected in many private wells, is a public health concern.
Although the scientific understanding of arsenic, its behavior, and how to detect it has steadily advanced, there has not been much research done on what actions, if any, well users have or are taking to reduce their risk of exposure. Because arsenic in water is tasteless and odorless, it is not possible for consumers to recognize arsenic without testing. According to studies completed in Nova Scotia and Maine, testing for arsenic in private wells is often not done because of a low perceived risk for arsenic exposure, inconvenience, and cost of testing. As part of these studies, scientists concluded that the public perception that arsenic is not a health concern prevents actions that could reduce exposure such as water treatment for arsenic removal or development of alternative water sources for private wells. Scientists at the USGS are hoping to evaluate alternative methods of well construction in shallow aquifers in the northeastern United States that could reduce exposure and the need for arsenic treatment systems.
This research was funded by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area’s Environmental Health Program (Contaminant Biology and Toxic Substances Hydrology) and the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Papers Contained in "Special Section: Arsenic in Private Well Waters of the Northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada" edited by Yan Zheng and Joseph D. Ayotte
Zheng, Y., and Ayotte, J.D., 2015, At the crossroads--Hazard assessment and reduction of health risks from arsenic in private well waters of the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1237–1247, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.089.
Dummer, T.J.B., Yu, Z.M., Nauta, L., Murimboh, J.D., and Parker, L., 2015, Geostatistical modelling of arsenic in drinking water wells and related toenail arsenic concentrations across Nova Scotia, Canada: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1248–1258, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.055.
Chappells, H., Campbell, N., Drage, J., Fernandez, C.V., Parker, L., and Dummer, T.J.B., 2015, Understanding the translation of scientific knowledge about arsenic risk exposure among private well water users in Nova Scotia: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1259–1273, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.12.108.
Flanagan, S.V., Marvinney, R.G., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Influences on domestic well water testing behavior in a Central Maine area with frequent groundwater arsenic occurrence: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1274–1281, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.017.
Flanagan, S.V., Marvinney, R.G., Johnston, R.A., Yang, Q., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Dissemination of well water arsenic results to homeowners in Central Maine--Influences on mitigation behavior and continued risks for exposure: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1282–1290, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.079.
Yang, Q., Culbertson, C.W., Nielsen, M.G., Schalk, C.W., Johnson, C.D., Marvinney, R.G., Stute, M., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Flow and sorption controls of groundwater arsenic in individual boreholes from bedrock aquifers in Central Maine, USA: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1291–1307, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.089.
O'Shea, B., Stransky, M., Leitheiser, S., Brock, P., Marvinney, R.G., and Zheng, Y., 2015, Heterogeneous arsenic enrichment in meta-sedimentary rocks in Central Maine, United States: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1308–1319, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.032.
Ryan, P.C., West, D.P., Hattori, K., Studwell, S., Allen, D.N., and Kim, J., 2015, The influence of metamorphic grade on arsenic in metasedimentary bedrock aquifers—A case study from Western New England, USA: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1320–1330, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.021.
Mango, H., and Ryan, P., 2015, Source of arsenic-bearing pyrite in southwestern Vermont, USA--Sulfur isotope evidence: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1331–1339, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.072.
Blake, J.M., and Peters, S.C., 2015, The occurrence and dominant controls on arsenic in the Newark and Gettysburg basins: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1340–1349, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.013.
Mumford, A.C., Barringer, J.L., Reilly, P.A., Eberl, D.D., Blum, A.E., and Young, L.Y., 2015, Biogeochemical environments of streambed-sediment pore waters with and without arsenic enrichment in a sedimentary rock terrain, New Jersey Piedmont, USA: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1350–1360, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.07.104.
Spayd, S.E., Robson, M.G., and Buckley, B.T., 2015, Whole-House arsenic water treatment provided more effective arsenic exposure reduction than point-of-use water treatment at New Jersey homes with arsenic in well water Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1361–1369, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.026.
Ayotte, J.D., Belaval, M., Olson, S.A., Burow, K.R., Flanagan, S.M., Hinkle, S.R., and Lindsey, B.D., 2015, Factors affecting temporal variability of arsenic in groundwater used for drinking water supply in the United States: Science of The Total Environment, v. 505, p. 1370–1379, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.057.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Arsenic in Minnesota groundwater—Occurrence and relation to hydrogeologic and geochemical factors
Geologic-sourced arsenic is common in Minnesota groundwater. Drinking-water managers, well owners, and well contractors need to know where and why high arsenic in groundwater is likely to occur in wells in order to take measures to protect public health. The USGS is assessing the spatial distribution of high arsenic groundwater in Minnesota, and identifying factors affecting arsenic mobilization.Arsenic and Drinking Water
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element, but long-term exposure can cause cancer in people. There has been a substantial amount of research done to address arsenic in groundwater and drinking-water supplies around the country. The USGS studies local and national sources of arsenic to help health officials better manage our water resources.Metals and Other Trace Elements
Metals, metalloids, and radionuclides all are trace elements that occur naturally in the Earth's crust. In small quantities many trace elements are essential for health in all living organisms, but some trace elements can be toxic or cause cancer, and some can bioaccumulate. The USGS investigates where and how trace elements make their way into our Nation's surface water and groundwater.Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Results in Arsenic Mobilization in Groundwater
Changes in geochemistry from the natural breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater promote mobilization of naturally occurring arsenic from aquifer sediments into groundwater. This geochemical change can result in potentially significant and overlooked arsenic groundwater contamination. Arsenic is a toxin and carcinogen linked to numerous forms of skin, bladder, and lung cancer. Of...Arsenic in Minnesota Groundwater
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Minnesota Department of Health ( MDH ) scientists are assessing the distribution of arsenic in groundwater in Minnesota. Naturally occurring arsenic is common in groundwater in Minnesota. About 15 percent of drinking water wells statewide have arsenic concentrations that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) drinking water standard of 10 micrograms... - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
At the crossroads: Hazard assessment and reduction of health risks from arsenic in private well waters of the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada
This special issue contains 12 papers that report on new understanding of arsenic (As) hydrogeochemistry, performance of household well water treatment systems, and testing and treatment behaviors of well users in several states of the northeastern region of the United States and Nova Scotia, Canada. The responsibility to ensure water safety of private wells falls on well owners. In the U.S., 43 mAuthorsYan Zheng, Joseph D. AyotteFlow and sorption controls of groundwater arsenic in individual boreholes from bedrock aquifers in central Maine, USA
To understand the hydrogeochemical processes regulating well water arsenic (As) evolution in fractured bedrock aquifers, three domestic wells with [As] up to 478 μg/L are investigated in central Maine. Geophysical logging reveals that fractures near the borehole bottom contribute 70-100% of flow. Borehole and fracture water samples from various depths show significant proportions of As (up to 69%)AuthorsQiang Yang, Charles W. Culbertson, Martha G. Nielsen, Charles W. Schalk, Carole D. Johnson, Robert G. Marvinney, Martin Stute, Yan ZhengBiogeochemical environments of streambed-sediment pore waters with and without arsenic enrichment in a sedimentary rock terrain, New Jersey Piedmont, USA
Release of arsenic (As) from sedimentary rocks has resulted in contamination of groundwater in aquifers of the New Jersey Piedmont Physiographic Province, USA; the contamination also may affect the quality of the region's streamwater to which groundwater discharges. Biogeochemical mechanisms involved in the release process were investigated in the streambeds of Six Mile Run and Pike Run, tributariAuthorsAdam C. Mumford, Julia L. Barringer, Pamela A. Reilly, Dennis D. Eberl, Alex E. Blum, Lily Y. YoungFactors affecting temporal variability of arsenic in groundwater used for drinking water supply in the United States
The occurrence of arsenic in groundwater is a recognized environmental hazard with worldwide importance and much effort has been focused on surveying and predicting where arsenic occurs. Temporal variability is one aspect of this environmental hazard that has until recently received less attention than other aspects. For this study, we analyzed 1245 wells with two samples per well. We suggest thatAuthorsJoseph D. Ayotte, Marcel Belaval, Scott A. Olson, Karen R. Burow, Sarah M. Flanagan, Stephen R. Hinkle, Bruce D. LindseyThe quality of our nation’s waters: Quality of water from domestic wells in principal aquifers of the United States, 1991–2004— Overview of major findings
More than 43 million people - about 15 percent of the U.S. population - rely on domestic wells as their source of drinking water (Hutson and others, 2004). The quality and safety of water from domestic wells, also known as private wells, are not regulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act or, in most cases, by state laws. Rather, individual homeowners are responsible for maintaining their domAuthorsLeslie A. DeSimone, Pixie A. Hamilton, Robert J. Gilliom