Arsenic In Water: Explained
A Complete Guide
Arsenic in water is an invisible threat often found in private wells, impacting the safety of your drinking water. Since this contaminant has no taste or smell, it can go unnoticed — even if your tap water tastes weird or seems off. With proper testing and a certified filtration system, you can protect your home from bad tap water and enjoy safer, cleaner water every day.
EWU Training Guide
The Dangers And Solutions To
Arsenic Contamination in Drinking Water
Arsenic in drinking water is a serious issue that affects many private wells and rural communities across Ontario. This naturally occurring contaminant is both tasteless and odourless, making it hard to detect without proper water testing—even if your tap water tastes weird or seems off. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer, skin lesions, and cardiovascular problems.
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This video guide explains how arsenic gets into your water supply, the potential risks it presents, and how to reduce its presence using advanced filtration systems. Whether you’re dealing with bad tap water or just want to ensure safe drinking water at home, professional testing and treatment solutions can give you peace of mind.
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Here’s what you’ll learn about:
- Explaining the problem of having arsenic in water
- Identifying arsenic in your water supply
- The solution to having arsenic in your water supply
When To Use Reverse Osmosis Systems For Treating Arsenic
Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing arsenic from drinking water—specifically arsenic in its pentavalent form (As5). These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out even microscopic contaminants, helping produce cleaner, better-tasting water. It’s important to note that reverse osmosis only works on chlorinated water, as chlorine converts trivalent arsenic (As3), which is harder to remove, into As5. This makes reverse osmosis an ideal solution for homes on chlorinated private wells or those looking to reduce arsenic-related health risks in their water supply.
- Chlorinated Water Only
- Arsenic 5 (As5) Only
When To Use a Water Tank Filtration System For Arsenic
A water tank filtration system is the best choice for treating arsenic in non-chlorinated water supplies or when arsenic levels are too high for a standard reverse osmosis system to handle alone. These whole-home systems are designed to remove arsenic at the point it enters your plumbing, ensuring safe water from every tap—not just the kitchen. Because reverse osmosis only removes arsenic in its oxidized form (As5), tank systems are ideal for private wells that aren’t chlorinated, where arsenic may remain in the trivalent state (As3). With the right configuration, a tank filtration system offers broad, reliable protection for families facing elevated arsenic levels throughout the home.
- Arsenic Levels Are Too High For a Reverse Osmosis System
- Non-Chlorinated Water
- Remove Arsenic From The Whole Home
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Why Choose 

Nelson Water?
Nelson Water has been a trusted leader in the water treatment industry for over three decades. We are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our extensive experience and dedication to quality ensure that your water treatment needs are met with expertise and reliability, making us the premier choice for water solutions in your area.