What is arsenic?
Answer:
It is a semi-metal element in the periodic table and is odorless and tasteless.

Where can I get information about arsenic in my water?
Answer:
Best source is your water supplier; however, local public health departments can help you locate testing labs that can analyze samples of your water and can also direct you to additional information about arsenic in your geographic area.

What is the Arsenic Rule?
Answer:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the arsenic standard for drinking water. The rule reduces the allowable arsenic maximum contaminant level (MCL) from 50 ppb to 10 ppb; sets arsenic maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) at 0; requires monitoring for new systems and new drinking water sources; clarifies the procedures for determining compliance with the MCLs.

What will implementation of the Arsenic Rule result in?
Answer:
Avoidance of 16 to 26 non-fatal bladder and lung cancers per year. Avoidance of 21 to 30 fatal bladder and lung cancers per year. A reduction in the frequency of non-carcinogenic diseases.

Where can I get additional information regarding the Arsenic Rule?
Answer:
Call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791; visit the EPA web site at www.epa.gov/safewater; or contact your State drinking water representative.

How does arsenic get into my drinking water?
Answer:
Because it occurs naturally in the environment and as a by-product of some agricultural and industrial activities, it can enter drinking water through the ground or as runoff into surface water sources.

What are the human health concerns?
Answer:
Several types of cancer have been linked to arsenic in water. In addition, arsenic has been reported to affect the vascular system in people and has been associated with the development of diabetes.