Water · Water Treatment
Arsenic occurs naturally in some groundwater. It is tasteless, odorless, and invisible. Testing is the only way to know your level.
The basics
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in rock and soil. In some regions of the United States, it dissolves into groundwater at concentrations that exceed safe drinking water levels. Unlike many contaminants, arsenic has no taste, no odor, and no color. You cannot tell it is there without testing.
The EPA set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic at 10 parts per billion (ppb) in 2001, replacing the previous standard of 50 ppb. Long-term exposure above 10 ppb is associated with increased risk of cancers of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, and liver. The EPA maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) is zero, reflecting the fact that no level of arsenic exposure is considered entirely without risk.
Safety notice
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Verified June 14, 2026.
Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing, and arsenic should be included at least once every two to three years. Wells in the western United States, New England, the upper Midwest, and parts of the Southeast are more likely to draw from aquifers with naturally elevated arsenic. If you have moved to a new property with a well, test before using the water for drinking or cooking. Municipal water systems are required to test and report arsenic levels.
Over-the-counter field test kits from brands like Quantofix and Safe Home provide a quick screening result, typically within 10 to 15 minutes. They are useful for an initial check, but they may not be precise enough at concentrations near the 10 ppb threshold. For confirmation or if a field kit returns a positive result, send a sample to a certified laboratory. Lab tests cost more but provide an exact concentration and are the basis for treatment decisions.
One kit per well, tested every two to three years, is a reasonable baseline. At $15 to $30 per field kit, the cost is modest. If your initial test shows arsenic near or above 10 ppb, switch to lab-based testing for precise monitoring and consult a water treatment professional about reverse osmosis or arsenic-specific filtration.
Store kits in a cool, dry location in the original packaging. Reagents degrade over time, so check the expiration date before buying and before testing. Most kits have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months.
Where to buy
For field screening, search for arsenic water test kits. For precise results near the 10 ppb threshold, use a certified lab service. A positive field result should always be confirmed by a lab before making treatment decisions.
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