Number of private wells tested that exceeded a safe drinking water level for arsenic where property owners were provided technical assistance on best available treatment technologies.
Current Value
0
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
These data are current as of February 2019.
Partners
Local Health Departments - Coordinate volunteers from their communities to collect samples.
Public - Homeowners with private wells that volunteer to collect samples.
Department of Public Health Private Well Program - Provides technical assistance to Local Health Departments and private well owners on understanding test results and best available treatment technologies for treatment of arsenic.
Department of Public Health Occupational and Environmental Health Assessment Program - Performs assessments of the risks to human health posed by exposure to arsenic and develops recommendations and educational materials for reducing potentially harmful exposures
What Works
The Environmental Protection Agency and expert scientific committees have classified arsenic as a human cancer-causing agent. Research indicates that people living in areas where water concentrations are very high are more likely to have bladder, lung, or skin cancer. Identifying private wells with elevated arsenic levels and installing a treatment system will reduce the prevelance of certain cancers.
Action Plan
The Department of Public Health provides technical assistance on treatment system is provided to private well owners with elevated arsenic levels.