Message from Chatham Health Regarding Well Water
A recently released USGS study on arsenic and uranium in CT private drinking water revealed that a small percentage of tested wells (<6%) were found to have elevated levels of arsenic and/or uranium (both of which are naturally occurring and found in some CT geology).
Arsenic exposure has been related to increased cancer risk, low birth weight, decreased child intellectual development, immune system suppression and other adverse health outcomes. Ingestion of uranium, such as through drinking water, has been associated with kidney disease. The Connecticut Department of Public Health and Chatham Health District recommend that residents who are served by a private water well test their drinking water for arsenic and uranium at a state certified testing laboratory.
The full press release (link below) includes information about the study, and how to find certified laboratories. Chatham Health District is available to discuss treatment options with residents who test their wells and identify contamination above EPA’s Maximum Contaminate Levels (MCL) - set as 10 µg/L of arsenic and 30 µg/L for uranium.