Arsenic Removal From Well Water
Arsenic is odorless, tasteless, and a health risk. Only certified methods reduce it, and the right one depends on your water chemistry.
Quick Answer
Arsenic is a health-based contaminant that you cannot taste, see, or smell — the only way to know your level is a certified-lab test. It is not removed by softeners, carbon, or sediment filters. Removal requires a method certified for arsenic, commonly reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58) or a specific adsorptive media, and the right choice depends on your water chemistry. Always retest after installation to confirm the system is actually working.
Health-based, not aesthetic
Why common systems do not work
- Water softeners exchange hardness minerals — they are not an arsenic solution.
- Activated carbon targets taste/odor and some chemicals — not reliably arsenic.
- Sediment filters strain particles — arsenic is typically dissolved.
Methods certified for arsenic
The effective options are contaminant-specific. Arsenic exists in different forms, and some media and systems perform differently depending on which form dominates and on pH, so lab results guide the design. A point-of-use reverse osmosis unit at the kitchen tap is a common approach for drinking water.
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis | Common point-of-use; look for NSF/ANSI 58 arsenic claim |
| Adsorptive media | Contaminant-specific; sized to levels and chemistry |
| Distillation | Point-of-use option (NSF/ANSI 62) |
The arsenic workflow
- 1Test with a certified lab for total arsenic.
- 2Share results with a water professional to pick a method matched to your chemistry.
- 3Install a model certified for the arsenic claim (verify the data sheet).
- 4Retest treated water to confirm reduction, then on a routine schedule.
Frequently asked questions
- Does boiling remove arsenic?
- No. Boiling concentrates arsenic rather than removing it. Use a certified removal method such as reverse osmosis or an arsenic-specific media.
- How often should I retest for arsenic?
- Retest after any new treatment is installed, and then periodically per your lab or state guidance. Media capacity is finite, so confirming performance over time matters.
Sources & references
- Private Ground Water Wells — CDC, accessed October 29, 2026
- NSF/ANSI Standards for Drinking Water Treatment Units — NSF, accessed October 29, 2026
This guide is documentary research and general information, not a laboratory analysis or professional assessment of your specific well. See our disclaimer.