Question about water with arsenic content - Ask Extension
We are buying a home that has a well that contains arsenic. The concentration is 0.035 arsenic concentration and the upper limit is 0.01.
Is usin...
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Question about water with arsenic content #876912
Asked July 12, 2024, 1:54 AM EDT
We are buying a home that has a well that contains arsenic. The concentration is 0.035 arsenic concentration and the upper limit is 0.01.
Is using this water to irrigate a garden problematic? What is the arsenic content that would require filtered water for irrigation? Is there a best practice way to irrigate if you have arsenic in the water (drip system vs. sprinkler etc.)
Thank you so much!
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello,
If you plan to use this water to irrigate a vegetable garden, be aware that those levels could increase over time in the soil and potentially affect the crops you are growing. I have attached two publications that can help you determine if you feel safe irrigating with those levels. Treatment is an option, however it can be very costly especially if you are treating such a large amount regularly.
Publications from Oregon Health Authority and Be Well Project:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9401-arsenic-your-drinking-water
