Arsenic in soil - Ask Extension
Where can I get someone to call and give me info on land that has been watered by a highly contaminated well for years. How can the arsenic be remove...
Knowledgebase
Arsenic in soil #868094
Asked May 12, 2024, 4:09 PM EDT
Where can I get someone to call and give me info on land that has been watered by a highly contaminated well for years. How can the arsenic be removed safely and cost-effective? Is there a free soil testing progam for Jackson Co.?
Jackson County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for reaching out - you have sent 2 separate questions and an email to <personal data hidden> which will also respond. I have been out of the office and just returned. Arsenic is naturally found in the soil and unless you are physically eating the soil it is not something to be worried about. It does not absorb through the skin or readily translocated if be plants if a garden is grown in in. I was admonished for sending the link to our very in depth publication, but we also have additional information here https://wellwater.oregonstate.edu/well-water/arsenic
Treating the well water for consumption is important - but understanding arsenic as a whole is also important. The tolerances in consumable water are very low because we are already consuming arsenic in many food items like fruit juices processed with their seeds and stems, and rice.
Treating the well water for consumption is important - but understanding arsenic as a whole is also important. The tolerances in consumable water are very low because we are already consuming arsenic in many food items like fruit juices processed with their seeds and stems, and rice.
The arsenic in the soil is about double what EPA sets as safe. We understand that it is not absorbed through the skin but we were told that it can be absorbed through inhalation (outside on a windy day) as well as eating/drinking contaminated food and water. We are trying to find out how safe it is for our 6 yr old great-granddaughter and how to remediate the issue of the soil. We know filters for the water is #1 and galvanized pipes in the house as well but what to do about the soil.
