High Arsenic Levels In Water In Part Of Calhoun County

Testing has found some ground water in Calhoun County contains elevated levels of arsenic.  Here is the information from the County government:

Arsenic Found in Routine Monitoring

Recent testing of well water in the area of Battle Creek directly east of M-66 and near Columbia Avenue has revealed that this area has elevated levels of naturally occurring arsenic in the groundwater. Bedrock, sand, and gravel may contain arsenic bearing minerals which can be absorbed into the drinking water withdrawn from the ground. Elevated levels of arsenic occur randomly in groundwater across Calhoun County and the state of Michigan.

A laboratory test is the only way to determine the level of arsenic in well water since it cannot be seen or tasted. Well water testing for lead or a variety of other constituents is available for a fee from the Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) or other water testing laboratories. The CCPHD recommends that homeowners with wells have their well water tested.

The drinking water standard for arsenic in public water supplies is 10 parts per billion (ppb) and this level or lower is generally considered safe to drink. While no action is required of homeowners whose well water is above this level, the health department recommends consuming bottled water or reverse osmosis treated well water if the arsenic level is above 10 ppb. Home owners should not be concerned about bathing, laundering, or washing dishes with water that has elevated arsenic levels. Only consumption of arsenic has been shown to be a health concern.

Homeowners that are served by a municipal water supply already receive water that meets the arsenic standard, therefore, additional testing is not recommended.

For further information, please contact the Calhoun County Public Health Department, Environmental Health at 269-969-6341.